MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, 26 AUGUST 2005

Strike Called Off After Progress In Talks

District Health Boards have welcomed the PSA’s move to lift notice of strike action by PSA Mental Health nurses.

About 3000 PSA Mental Health nurses were due to strike for one day on Monday, 29 August, but the action has been lifted after significant progress in talks this week.

“We have the basis of an agreement with the PSA,” says District Health Boards spokesperson and Tairawhiti CEO Jim Green. “We’re scheduled to meet again next week and hope we can come up with a package that the PSA will take to its members.

“Clearly we’re pleased that the action won’t be taken and we can concentrate on reaching a deal that meets the needs of the nurses and the DHBs.”
Talks between the two parties are set to resume on Monday and Mr Green won’t comment on any detail while bargaining continues.

ENDS