Mercy dispute goes to IRC

A Melbourne hospital has applied to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission for an order preventing further industrial action by nurses over the forced redundancy of four mothercraft nurses.

Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) state secretary, Lisa Fitzpatrick, said Mercy Hospital for Women management gained an urgent hearing in the commission today.

About 80 nurses and midwives at the maternity hospital walked off the job today after the mothercraft nurses were made redundant.

The Mercy Hospital for Women staff had intended to walk out for one hour each day until management reinstated the nurses.

"What happened is that the nurses did walk out and a meeting was conducted," Ms Fitzpatrick said.

Ms Fitzpatrick said the nurses had returned to work after a request from the AIRC, while talks between the ANF and Mercy Hospital for Women management took place.

"The Commission has recommended that the bans be suspended at the moment and that we will report back to members at 1.45pm (AEDT) tomorrow on the progress of the matter."

The ANF said four nurses, who had worked at the hospital for between 28 and 32 years each, were given one weeks' notice late last month that their jobs were redundant.

Mothercraft nurses look after babies with special needs, such as premature babies.

They also undertake baby health observations, assist new mothers with breastfeeding and help new parents with baby care education.

Ms Fitzpatrick said the nurses were a valuable part of the midwifery team and provided vital skilled nursing care, education and support to new mothers, fathers and their babies.

A statement was being sought from the Mercy Hospital for Women.

Article from www.theage.com.au