25 July 2018

Yesterday NZNO achieved two significant improvements to the fourth DHB MECA offer and is recommending the revised offer to members today.

Associate Industrial Services Manager Glenda Alexander explains that the offer expands on the consistency members have asked for across the MECA for all steps.

“We are recommending the offer because it retains previously achieved benefits and addresses the ongoing member priorities of greater need for clarity and commitment to safe staffing and also the issue of equity and fairness across the steps,” Glenda Alexander said.

“The new step 7 on the registered nurse and registered midwife scale will now take effect 12 months after the implementation of step 6. It becomes effective on 4 May 2020.

“As earlier negotiated we have a definite date for implementation of pay equity. The effective date for payment of pay equity will be 31 December 2019. We remain confident that these later pay equity negotiations will deliver further pay increases as of that date.

“In addition we have secured clearer monitoring and reporting mechanisms in relation to an immediate additional nursing staff funding allocation and, enforceable mechanisms for progress on Care Capacity and Demand Management (CCDM).

“It is agreed that bi monthly updates about safe staffing and the implementation of CCDM will be provided to ensure transparency for the nursing and midwifery teams. Nurses will be able to monitor CCDM progress and safe staffing levels,” she said,

On-line voting will take place from midday Tuesday 31 July through to 5pm Monday 6 August.

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