Healthcare strikes to cancel elective surgeries across Victoria

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Elective surgeries in Victorian public hospitals will be delayed from Wednesday as part of an ongoing pay dispute with the state government.

The Health Workers Union says protected industrial action will run from January 14 to February 1. During this time, Category 2 and 3 elective surgeries will be paused.

The action also includes closing one in four hospital beds, halting cleaning in non-clinical areas such as offices and staff rooms, and stopping the training and onboarding of new staff.

Union leaders say the measures are designed to limit risk. Emergency care will continue, and children and pregnant patients are excluded from the surgery delays.

HWU lead organiser Jake McGuinness said the action would cause disruption but was unavoidable. He said workers are seeking a fair pay rise and relief from heavy workloads and staff shortages.

The union is pushing for a six per cent wage increase as part of a new two-year enterprise agreement, arguing current pay offers do not keep up with living costs.

The Victorian Government says it is working with hospitals and the union to reduce impacts on patient care. A spokesperson confirmed emergency services and critical treatments will continue, with contingency plans in place across the hospital system.

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