Nurses and midwives at the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Adelaide had intended to strike, but their plans were called off after the state government granted them a significant pay increase. This includes an immediate 4% raise backdated to January 1, and an additional 2% raise set to take effect on October 1. The union's decision to cancel the strike stems from these negotiations that aimed to address long-standing salary concerns among healthcare workers in South Australia.

The timing of this cancellation is noteworthy, as it falls just one day before the issuance of writs that signal the official start of the South Australian state election campaign. This raises questions about the political implications of the government's decision to provide the pay rise, which may be seen as an attempt to secure support from essential workers like nurses during the election period. The union has previously expressed the need for a far larger wage increase of 21% over three years, reflecting their continued advocacy for better compensation and working conditions.

With the strike cancelled, attention now shifts to the broader impact of these pay adjustments on healthcare services and the overall election landscape in South Australia. As the government seeks to address the demands of the nursing workforce, the implications for voter sentiment among healthcare professionals and the general populace could play a critical role in shaping the upcoming election outcomes. The developments could also influence negotiations with other public sector unions seeking similar wage increases and improved working conditions.