In 2024, Nuclear Medicine Scientists in Queensland used their political standing as United Workers Union members, and threats of mass resignation, to push the government to address chronic workforce shortages, proving that when workers unite – even in small numbers – they can win transformative change.
Nuclear Medicine Scientists as members of our union in Queensland exercised their political and campaigning power to convince the Queensland government to address a critical workforce shortage. Despite there being only a small workforce of less than 70 scientists statewide – 60 of whom were union members – these essential healthcare workers showed that when workers stand together, they win. Facing decades of government inaction on workforce planning and no nuclear medicine training program in Queensland, these highly skilled workers took the extraordinary step of threatening mass resignation unless their demands were met. This display of solidarity and efforts to lobby Queensland Government achieved a big win. The government agreed to implement all of the workers’ demands, including establishing a much-needed training program in Queensland. The win ensures sustainable staffing levels for this critical healthcare service into the future. Even small groups of workers, using the skills of political lobbying and clever campaigning, can win changes that will benefit both the healthcare system and future generations of Nuclear Medicine Scientists.
“Every Nuclear Medicine Scientist in Queensland considered resigning in an effort to force the government to act. And we got it. We’ve got everything we asked for.” – Peter, Nuclear Medicine Scientist and United Workers Union member.