Decision On 5 Day Hospital Strike Tomorrow

Tuesday 9 August 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
ATTENTION: INDUSTRIAL/HEALTH REPORTERS

Decision On 5 Day Hospital Strike Tomorrow

“NUPE delegates representing members working for the Canterbury District Health Boards (CDHB) will decide tomorrow whether to continue with their five day strike following the withdrawal by Public Service Association (PSA) of the one day nationwide strike by health workers on Monday 15 August,” said Lynda Boyd, organiser with the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE).

Lynda Boyd said that NUPE members have been informed today that the PSA had withdrawn a notice of one day strike action set for 15 August.

“The PSA strike action covered health workers in Mental Health Nursing and Allied Health occupations like Occupational Therapists, Social Workers, and Dental Therapists. NUPE has members in those occupational groups also and their delegates will attend tomorrow’s meeting to decide on the five day strike. These groups are committed to a multi occupational Collective Agreement where all workers get a significant pay catch-up.”

“A key issue for NUPE members will be that clerical and administration staff in health also get a 30% catch-up just as nurses and doctors have received,” said Lynda Boyd. “These staff make up about 15% of the health workforce and are a critical though grossly underpaid part of providing services to patients.”

“Clerical and Administration staff in health who deal with vital clinical records and waiting lists for X rays and clinics, start on $9.70 and can move to a maximum of $14.65 an hour after many years,” said Lynda Boyd. “They are to rally tomorrow lunchtime outside Christchurch Hospital and their delegates will also be attending the meeting at 5pm at NUPE which will decide on whether the action (which is yet to commence) proceeds.”

ENDS

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