Union fails to grasp financial realities - DHBs

20 District Health Boards

Media Release

2 September 2010

Union fails to grasp financial realities

DHBs are disappointed that APEX is determined to proceed with strike action that will affect patients throughout New Zealand.

"DHBs have been clear in their communications with the union about their ability to afford the union's claims," says DHB spokesperson David Meates "The union simply fails to understand how important this is to the DHBs.

"The sort of settlement being offered to MRTs was enough for 75% of the DHB workforce - including nurses and allied health staff. Why do MRTs think they deserve more than their colleagues?"

Despite the union's claim to the contrary, DHBs do not accept that the union has reduced its claim significantly.

"It continually changes its position with respect to individual claims, without reducing the overall cost to the DHBs," says David Meates. "DHBs amend their proposal to meet what the union has identified as a priority, then items that had been understood and met are subject to change at the union's whim. This is an extraordinarily difficult environment in which to bargain.

DHBs have undertaken to cost the additional impact of the union's current claims, to see how much they are likely to add to the cost of the settlement.

"The offer we have put to APEX is fair and reasonable. Any further funds used in these negotiations will need to be redirected from services DHBs plan to provide to the public," says David Meates.

"While the unions continue to threaten and carry out strike action, the DHBs are focused on ensuring that the public is safe. It is disappointing that the union's demands have led us to this point."

ENDS