New boss for nurses’ union

Former industrial officer Jason Leeder has been named to replace Mark Olson as Australian Nursing Federation chief executive.

Mr Olson's tenure at the union spanned more than two decades and coincided with a number of high-profile confrontations with governments of both stripes. 

Mr Leeder, who worked with the ANF between 2013 and 2016, previously held senior positions with CBH Group, St John of God Healthcare and Cleanaway.

He’ll step into the role just months after the ANF led a series of illegal strikes culminating in a rally on the steps of Parliament.

The union, which was seeking a 10 per cent pay increase spread over two years, appears to have ultimately lost that battle.

ANF secretary Janet Reah praised Mr Leeder’s experience in a statement released earlier today.

“Jason has had years of valuable operations experience in a variety of organisations since leaving the ANF in 2016 and we are happy that he is now going to bring that experience to us,” Ms Reah said.

“Also having started his career with us, he understands the important role the ANF plays to nurses and midwives across WA as well as the wide range of services the ANF provides to members many of which do not exist in any other union.”

Mr Olson's departure from the ANF comes after a difficult few months for the union, typified by an ongoing stoush with the government over wage rises.

Ms Reah, who last year was elected state secretary, appeared to concede during negotiations that the union would have to walk back its pay demands to get a deal done.

That did not eventuate and confusion over messaging appeared to lead Mr Olson to take on a behind-the-scenes role during negotations while Ms Reah took on a more public role.