Strike notice issued on Capital’s DHB

PSA Press Release
December 9, 2003

Strike notice issued on Capital’s district health board

PSA members working at Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) have given notice of their intention to strike on Tuesday, December 23, PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said today.

“Our members in mental health will hold two two-hour stoppages, and general services will strike for two hours on December 23 following an unacceptable offer from the employer. The strikes will be followed in the new year by escalating action if CCDHB does not come back with an acceptable offer which, as far as our members are concerned, is a 3 percent across-the-board pay rise.”

Richard Wagstaff said the services affected by the strike action include the mental health service, and allied health services such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers, technicians, pharmacists, medical laboratory, and administrative and clerical services".

“We regret having to take strike action but our members feel they are left with no other option. We commenced bargaining in August but CCDHB has consistently refused to meet what our members feel is a reasonable increase in pay and one which is in line with increases being granted in many other enterprises and sectors.”

Richard Wagstaff said many workers in the health sector were inadequately paid even though their services were critical to a properly-functioning health system.

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