Historical information
Distributed to nurses who took part in campaigning for improved wages and working conditions in the 1980s, particularly those involved in the historic 1986 Victorian 50-day nurses strike. In October 1986, Victorian nurses began their longest strike after the failure of repeated talks with the health minister David White who was committed to reducing the classification and pay of almost half of Victoria’s nurses. Skeleton staff were left in the wards while picket lines, tents and caravans were set up outside hospitals in both metropolitan and regional Victoria. After 50 days of industrial action, Victorian nurses voted to return to work on 20 December 1986.
The Royal Australian Nursing Federation (RANF) became the Australian Nursing Federation in 1989, and the strike concluded in December 1986, suggesting this badge was produced sometime between 1987 and 1989.
Physical description
Circular red and white plastic badge. Silver metal, plastic-coated, with safety pin fastener adhered to back.
Badge printed with 'I FOUGHT NURSES STRIKE 1986' and 'R.A.N.F. [Royal Australian Nursing Federation] Vic. [Victorian] Branch'.
Subjects
References
- Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation Victorian Branch: Our History Brief overview of the history of the Victorian nurses' union, including useful historic background for this badge.
- 30th anniversary digital exhibition: The 1986 50-day Victorian nurses and midwives strike A digital exhibition launched by the ANMF (Victorian Branch) on the 30th anniversary of the historic Victorian nurses’ and midwives’ strike. Includes video interviews with key figures, historic photos and primary materials.
