Deregistration still a possibility for ANF

Janet Reah holds no regrets about the Australian Nursing Federation striking over the objections of the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission, despite the union now being on the hook for fines worth a cumulative $27 million.

Ms Reah called for members to strike in November after pay negotiations between the union and the state government reached an impasse.

That action was ultimately deemed illegal by the WAIRC, with Ms Reah in December promising any future strikes will be held within the bounds of the commission’s rulings.

Ms Reah, who took over from Mark Olson as the union’s state secretary last year, is now facing a personal fine of $10,000, with the union contending with 2,700 infractions carrying maximum penalties of $10,000 each.

Still, she said she didn’t regret last year's strike.

“I don’t. I don’t regret the action taken,” Ms Reah said.

“Unfortunately, despite our best efforts in the negotiations and directly with the health minister, nurses and midwifes still feel unheard and unappreciated.

“I listened to the members, and they directed they wanted to do strike action to send that message loud and clear and they did.”

While Ms Reah said it seemed as though the fines were an attempt to deter the union from taking any illegal strike action in future, she expressed confidence in the process being impartial and fair.

She could not be drawn on whether the union would fold if it was fined the full amount, saying only that the union would appeal said ruling if made.

Ms Reah did, however, admit deregistration remained a possibility, but added she would be surprised if that happened.

Today’s appearance at the WAIRC follows the appointment earlier this month of Jason Leeder as the ANF’s chief executive.

Mr Leeder was previously an industrial officer with the union prior to holding senior roles at CBH Group and St John of God Healthcare.

He replaced Mark Olson, who had transitioned from the state secretary role and into the newly created chief executive position amid confused campaign messaging during last year’s pay stoush.