Green Health spokesperson Sue Kedgley is calling on Chief Executives of District Health Boards to return their bonuses and 'additional payments' in the spirit of restraint they are asking of the people they employ.

It was revealed yesterday that hospital bosses have received pay rises of up to $16,775 per year and given additional payments of up to $25,000.

"Chief Executives must lead by example," Ms Kedgley said. "They cannot call for wage restraints for staff on the one hand and quietly pocket huge salary increases on the other. Chief Executives should only accept the same wage increases as they are prepared to pay staff.

"These revelations blow any credibility Chief Executives have in wage negotiations. As each new salary round gets underway, staff will be comparing the miserly increases they are being offered by senior management with the astronomical increases managers have negotiated for themselves."

Ms Kedgley said the huge discrepancies in pay between senior management and staff created an impression there was one rule for managers and another for workers.

"This is terrible for staff morale at a time when hospitals are being urged to make yet further efficiencies and spending restraints.

"To set an example of the need for restraint in the health sector and to boost morale in their organisations, I call on Chief Executives of District Health Boards to return these bonuses and additional payments to the Boards and use them for wage increases for their staff."

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