Campaign of action costly for patients and workers

Media Statement
Wednesday 11 April

Campaign of action costly for patients and workers

District Health Boards say the country’s hospitals appear to be heading into a drawn out campaign of strike action by lab workers.

Lab Workers’ are in the middle of a two-day strike that ends at 0800 on Friday 13 April. Last week they issued notice of a one-day strike on 24 April – the day before ANZAC Day. Late this afternoon they issued a fourth notice for another 24-hour strike on 26 April – the day immediately after ANZAC Day.

DHB Spokesman, Gordon Davies – CEO of Canterbury DHB, says the union seems determined to cause as much disruption as possible to pressure DHBs into an unrealistic settlement.

“We’ve been negotiating for 13 months and the union’s position has not changed in any meaningful way – despite movement from DHBs.

“There are three sticking points in these negotiations: the union wants to force DHBs and private sector labs into the same employment agreement; they have a pay claim of about 20%, and; are resisting the same kind of rostering arrangements that most other health workers have.”

The latest notices will bring the total number of days lost to 11, and MR Davies says more are likely.

“Industrial action always creates risk for patients and hospitals have plans to manage that, but workers will also lose in this dispute.

“Eleven days of action will cost works more than 4% of their pay – that’s nearly half of what we’ve already offered them. DHBs cannot afford to be bullied into unaffordable pay settlements and more action will further erode the eventual deal.

“We’ve offered Lab workers 8.5% over three years with a pay scale from $45,000 to $56,000 for entry level scientists – experienced staff will earn considerably more. In addition, they will get automatic annual increments that average around 2% a year. What we’re asking for in return is some rostering flexibility.

“We have a fair and reasonable offer on the table and will be happy to talk to the union if it shows a willingness to move its position in a meaningful way.”

ENDS

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