Despite being a cornerstone election policy during Mark McGowan’s run for Premier in 2017, WA Labor’s oft-controversial wages strategy will be scrapped in the wake of a new, $2.8 billion plan.

The announcement comes as nurses begin to break ranks from the Australian nurses Federation over what many see as an unfair compromise for pay, despite promises a new agreement will allow more opportunity for wage rises.

WA Unions Secretary Owen Whittle told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings he welcomed the changes, which would remove the salary cap placed on many integral industries.

“But I’m still holding firm on our asking of the government for another five percent pay increase across the next years in the public sector,” Mr Whittle said.

Press PLAY to hear more on the future of a new wages agreement in WA

Images: ANF/ Peter De Kruijff