The 50 employees of Mercy Health in Warrnambool (VIC) have rejected a 12.5% wage increase for nurses and 14.5% for care staff as they will still earn $25 per week less than local private care staff.

The Australian Nurses and Midwifery Federation spokesperson says “The issue for the members here is that they feel worthless”. Mercy health says its offer is favourable compared to the 3% annual wage review handed down by the Fair Work Commission fur months ago.