'Stop fighting to overwhelm our health system' Nurses deliver powerful message to construction protesters

‘Stop fighting to overwhelm our health system’ Nurses deliver powerful message to construction protesters

As anti-vaccination protests led by construction workers continue to escalate in Melbourne on Tuesday, the Victorian branch of the Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation has issued a plea to “stop the violence” and “stop fighting for the right to overwhelm our health system”.

The statement comes via Lisa Fitzpatrick, Secretary of the Victorian branch, and as protesters in Melbourne are chanting “every day” as they make their way through the city, threatening to continue to march if their demands go unmet.

The protests have been gathering momentum and aggression (including with footage of cans being thrown at a reporter’s head and a dog being kicked). They are protesting mandatory vaccinations as well as other health restrictions on the construction industry, and reportedly chanting “fuck the jab”.

But the union of nurses and midwives — representing a majority female member base — is having none of it.

The union’s statement says it comes on behalf of its more than 95,000 members, including those caring for ill COVID-19 positive patients across hospitals and within their in-home programs. It also represents those across vaccinations and testing hubs.

“We are calling for common sense and voices of reason to prevail,” reads the statement.

“Nurses, midwives and carers are exhausted and frustrated as they watch protesters fight for their right to overwhelm our health system.

The statement condemned the “pointless violence on the CFMEU building” as well as those creating “fake protest posters” using their name, incorrectly, to “create fraudulent legitimacy.”

“Nurses have supported dying COVID patients only able to comfort their families via a screen.

“Midwives have supported new parents finding their feet without the village of their families and friends.

“Aged care nurses and carers have seen hundreds of their residents contract COVID-19 and die without loved ones with them.

“Through it all they wear hot, bruising and uncomfortable PPE, have their breaks in an outdoor tent or the carpark and are getting vaccinated — to protect themselves, their patients, their colleagues, loved ones and the community.”

The statement goes on to plead with the protesters:

“Do not leave all the heavy lifting to nurses, midwives and personal care workers.

“Only respectful, dialogue, not violence, can resolve the issues driving people apart.”

The ANMF strongly encourages vaccinations among members and is currently running an “I’m vaccinated because…” campaign among members.

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