DHBs urge midwives to reconsider

District Health Boards are hoping midwives will reconsider the pay offer from DHBs before voting on further strike action.

Spokesperson Jim Green says DHBs are actively working with the MERAS union (Midwifery Employee Representation & Advisory Service) to address the broader workforce concerns of midwives and have made a significant pay offer in the meantime.

“DHBs and MERAS are investigating a pay equity claim and will apply any increase determined in that process from 31 December 2019.

“Work is also underway looking at staffing levels across the sector.

“In the meantime, DHBs have made a significant pay offer that will see midwives pay increase by up to $10,000 in the next 13 months.

“MERAS has turned down 9% plus two pay step increases and a lump sum payment. It is the same increase offered to other midwives.

“DHBs respect the important role of midwives and the pay offer accepted by their other colleagues reflects that. We won’t differentiate between our workers purely on the basis of which union they belong to, and we urge them to reconsider their position,” says Mr Green.

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