Police Association Congratulates The Nurses But Cautions Over Drawing Comparisons
“The Police Association congratulates the nurses that are finally beginning to be valued for the job they do,” Police Association Advocate, Greg Fleming said today.
Mr Fleming was referring to the new pay scheme for Nurses, ratified yesterday.
Mr Fleming cautioned, “While some comparisons can be made between Teachers, Nurses and Police, we understand why Laila Harre has said a comparison of Nurses with Teachers is unfair and believe so to is a comparison with Police Officers. Teachers, Nurses and Police all do a difficult but quite different job and should be valued for the particular job they do. The Association will be looking to address its members’ unique set of concerns next year.”
“Comparative pay figures published in The Press today were incorrect. It was stated at the lowest grade, nurses will earn about $46,000 (including penal rates), while a teacher earns $39,425, and a police constable $50,562 per year, said Mr Fleming. “The Police Association are unsure of where these figures have come from, however the constable salary is currently $41,142 and $43,033 (including penal rates and overtime) after 1 July this year.”
“Another comparison was made between a teacher with at least eight years experience earning $58,327, while after five years a registered nurse will earn $62,100 (including penal rates) per year. It was published that a police constable will earn $55,239 after five years.” Mr Fleming said, “A constable of five years will in fact be earning a salary of $48,339 (including penal rates and overtime) after 1 July this year.”
