Pay talks with nurses continue

Wednesday 8 September 2004

Pay talks with nurses continue

District Health Boards are pleased that the New Zealand Nurses’ Organisation has returned to the negotiation table.

Lead CEO for the negotiations, Jim Green, says DHBs have never refused to talk to the Union and have even offered mediation if that will help achieve a negotiated settlement.

The CTU is mistaken if it thinks talks have broken down – both negotiation teams resumed talks where they adjourned last night.

Mr Green says the pay offer on the table is virtually what the union has claimed. The offer recognises skills and experience and will give the majority of nurses increases of more than 20%.

This is not a pay equity settlement – the Government has set up a separate process to provide a coordinated public sector response to the matter and the NZNO can still make a claim for more money through that process.

He says the offer meets the union’s fair pay claim and gives nurses a significant pay rise – most of it within a year.

ENDS

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