Mediation On 5 Day Hospital Strike Today

Wednesday 6 September 2005

Mediation On 5 Day Hospital Strike Today

“NUPE negotiators will today attend a mediation with the Canterbury District Health Boards (CDHB) and later delegates will announce whether they will continue with their five day strike set to take place from 12 to 16 September,” said Martin Cooney, organiser with the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE).

Martin Cooney said that NUPE members had previously postponed the strike by two weeks to give the Government time to come up with an acceptable offer in particular for the support staff members.

“A key issue for NUPE members will be that clerical and administration, maintenance, information services and cleaning staff in health also get Government funding for a significant catch-up just as nurses and doctors have received,” said Martin Cooney. “These workers are a critical though grossly underpaid part of the health team providing services to Canterbury patients.”

“Scales for Clerical and Administration staff in health who deal with vital clinical records and waiting lists for X rays and clinics, start on $9.70,” said Martin Cooney. “Even the Green Party would give those scales a 24% pay rise as they say the minimum wage should be $12!”

“NUPE delegates will later be attending the meeting starting at 5pm tonight which will decide on whether the action proceeds next week. If it proceeds it will include Mental Health Nursing and Allied Health occupations like Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Dental Therapists as well as support staff,” said Martin Cooney.

ENDS

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