More than 10,000 Victorian health workers have begun ongoing industrial action calling for fair pay, safer workloads, and sustainable staffing levels. While the headlines focus on cancelled surgeries and government negotiations, the real story is about the people on the ground. It’s about what healthcare workers are experiencing every day, and how this moment is shaping the future of your profession.
At MediRec, we work closely with healthcare staff across Australia, and the message is the same everywhere: people love the work, but the pressure is becoming impossible to ignore.
Why Workers Are Taking Action
The reasons behind the strike reflect the reality many healthcare professionals have been living for years.
Fair and Competitive Pay
Health workers are calling for a 6 percent increase, similar to what other frontline sectors have already secured. Many professionals tell us they are simply struggling to keep pace with the cost of living, especially when shifts are already stretched thin.
Burnout That Can No Longer Be Dismissed
Across hospitals and community services, burnout has reached a point where it is affecting health, family life, and long-term career satisfaction. Regional workers, in particular, say they are carrying heavier loads with fewer hands.
This isn’t just fatigue. It’s a systemic strain that is driving many to reassess what kind of work environment they’re willing to stay in.
A Need for Real Change
After more than a year of stalled negotiations, many workers feel unheard. The industrial action reflects a desire for meaningful conversations about wellbeing, not only pay.
How This Moment Is Affecting Healthcare Services
The protected industrial action includes pausing administrative tasks and non urgent procedures. Emergency and essential care continue, but the flow-on effects are real. Elective surgeries have been postponed, leaving patients anxious and frustrated.
For many healthcare workers, this can feel emotionally draining. The desire to care is still there — but so is the exhaustion.
What This Means for Your Work and Your Career
This period is prompting many healthcare professionals to reflect on what they want from their careers. Right now we are seeing more workers:
- Consider roles with better staffing ratios
- Seek supportive leadership and healthier team cultures
- Explore opportunities that offer clearer progression or stability
- Look for workplaces where wellbeing is prioritised, not sacrificed
People are reassessing not because they don’t love the work, but because they want to keep loving it without burning out.
How MediRec Supports Healthcare Professionals
During times like these, having someone in your corner makes a difference. MediRec is here to support healthcare workers by offering:
- Guidance on roles and organisations that prioritise safe workloads
- Opportunities with hospitals and services committed to positive culture
- Insight into pay trends and working conditions across the sector
- A confidential space to explore what’s next in your career
This isn’t just a strike. It’s a turning point. The decisions made now will shape the future of the healthcare workforce — and your place within it.
Looking Ahead
Union representatives have confirmed that industrial action will continue in the coming weeks. As the situation evolves, workplace expectations will evolve with it.
Whether you’re feeling uncertain, considering a change, or simply wanting to understand your options, MediRec is here to help you navigate your next steps with clarity and confidence.