Victorian doctors walk out for first time in 20 years over pay and shifts
Thousands of Victorian public hospital doctors will strike for four hours on Thursday, their first stoppage since 2006.
Victoria's public hospital doctors will down tools for four hours on Thursday in their first strike in two decades. The action aims to break months of stalled negotiations over pay and working conditions.
Emergency departments will remain open and emergency surgeries will proceed, with hospitals to be staffed above Saturday levels. Doctors are demanding higher pay, shifts capped at 12.5 hours, and at least three guaranteed days off per fortnight.
The union has received no written offer from the state government since negotiations began 14 months ago, despite nearly 60 meetings. A previous strike planned for September 15 was blocked by the Fair Work Commission on patient safety grounds.
- 2006
- First strike since
- 4 hours
- Strike duration
- 12.5 hours maximum
- Shift limit demand
- Nearly 60 without written offer
- Meetings held
Why it mattersDoctors say unsafe shift lengths harm patient care; hospitals warn of service disruption even with safeguards in place.
AustraliaVictorians may face reduced hospital capacity Thursday; ongoing pay disputes could escalate industrial action in the state's public health system.
Corroborated byperthnow.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
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