• Medical professionals affiliated with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation (ASMOF) in New South Wales (NSW) announced a three-day statewide strike from April 8-10. The specific timings are not disclosed as of writing.
• The action is announced as part of ongoing negotiations with the state government over pay disputes, poor working conditions, and staff shortages.
• Per April 2 reports, the emergency departments and critical care units will remain fully staffed and operational during the strike period.

1. The strike action is anticipated to be widely observed across NSW, given the resonance of the ongoing dispute between health workers and the state government. Disruptions to non-emergency medical care are expected due to the reported limited staffing of hospitals and the halting of non-urgent medical consultations in the state during the strike period.
2. While the ASMOF did not announce any demonstrations, impromptu gatherings outside prominent government buildings, such as those included in Sydney Local Health District, remain plausible. Healthcare workers are also likely to stage associated pickets and protests near major healthcare facilities statewide. This is especially if negotiations between the union and the state government fail.
3. While the strike and potential demonstrations are expected to transpire peacefully, the authorities are likely to bolster security measures in the vicinity of prominent government buildings to monitor proceedings. Significant disruptions to healthcare services statewide remain likely from April 8-10. Localized disruptions to pedestrian and vehicular travel also remain likely during protest hours should demonstrations materialize.

Those operating or residing in NSW between April 8-10 are advised to allot for disruptions to healthcare services due to unionized healthcare workers’ statewide strike.