Negotiations Needed To End Laboratory Strike

MONDAY 23 APRIL

Meaningful Negotiations Needed To End Laboratory Workers’ Strike

District Health Boards have called on the Lab workers to return to negotiations and be prepared to move in a meaningful way.

Lab Workers’ begin a 24 hour strike at midnight and will strike again for another 24 hours on Thursday – the days immediately before and after ANZAC Day.

“Both parties have moved significantly on base salary,” says DHB Spokesman, Gordon Davies – CEO of Canterbury DHB, “but the union has several other claims on the table that have a significant cost.”

“The union also has two other non-negotiable demands that haven’t changed since negotiations started last year.

“Lab workers are demanding several changes that would restrict a DHB’s right to contract out lab testing – a practice that is common in many parts of the country. In addition, the union is refusing point blank to discuss changing the way rosters are drawn up.

“Apart from the money, the additional non-negotiable demands make the deal too expensive.”

“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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