Nurses are still carrying out work stoppages across Victoria despite Fair Work Australia and Federal Court orders to cease industrial action.
Last week, The Express reported a “small number” of the nurses, joined by off-duty staff, continued to rally outside the hospital defying the orders to return to work.
Australian Nursing Federation Victoria branch secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick denied allegations by the Victorian Hospitals Industrial Association that the ANF had breached orders.
“This fight is not about personal gain,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
“This fight is about the maintaining nurse and midwife patient ratios and the standard of care in our hospitals. “
She said the VHIA allegations the ANF constituted contempt was a “delay” tactic and the dispute would only be resolved through negotiations.
“I think it is more important to work towards a resolution for the dispute, because it won’t be resolved by the legal teams; it will be resolved through the ANF and VHIA negotiations,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
“They will need evidence if they have any proof (of contempt of court), and then the ANF legal team will work very hard against them.”
The VHIA was unable to respond by time of publication.
The Federal Court case will resume on Friday.
