26 November 2018

Senior doctors welcome recognition and pay rise for hospital service workers

The union for senior doctors and dentists is welcoming news of a significant pay rise for thousands of hospital service workers.

“These employees contribute to the smooth running of our hospitals, ensuring they are clean, safe places for patients,” says Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).

“Our public hospitals are not just about doctors and nurses, and ASMS members will be pleased that the important work that hospital service workers do is being recognised. Cleaners, for example, are critical to reducing the risk of infection in operating theatres.”

He was commenting on reports that the union E tū has successfully negotiated a collective deal that will give many hospital service workers pay rises of up to 40% over the next three years (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12165837).

“This is a fantastic result and E tū is to be congratulated for its perseverance and hard work,” says Mr Powell.

He also welcomed E tū’s announcement that workers will be able to gain qualifications which will advance their careers in the public health sector. The full E tū announcement is available at https://www.etu.nz/e-tu-dhb-meca-huge-win-for-members/.

ENDS

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