The Nurses and Midwives Work Value Case brought by the ANMF is being heard in the Fair Work Commission this week (10-16 June 2026). So, what is it — and why does this matter for you?

In 2024, the ANMF’s landmark Aged Care Work Value Case delivered significant wage increases for nurses and AINs across aged care. That win was only the beginning. The ANMF is now pursuing a second Work Value Case, seeking a 35% increase to minimum award wages under the Nurses Award 2020 for all RNs, midwives, ENs and AINs working outside aged care. Here’s why it’s important for you.

What an award is and why it matters

Most nurses, midwives and carers are covered by either the Nurses Award or an enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA).

An award sets the minimum legal wages and conditions for your role across the whole industry. An EBA, on the other hand, is a workplace‑specific agreement negotiated by your union that must provide conditions better than, or at least no less than, the award. In state-based industrial systems, the Nurses Award is also relevant as a national benchmark.

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