Using Strike-Breakers Risks Worsening Dispute

MEDIA STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE,
TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2002

“Using Strike-Breakers Risks Worsening Radiographers’ Dispute; Avoids Key Issue”

“The attempt by the Auckland District Health Board to use Australian strike-breakers to break the radiographers’ strike seriously risks worsening this entrenched bitter dispute,” said Mr Ian Powell, Executive Director of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, today.

“It will worsen the already poor relationship between management and radiographers thereby making it much more difficult to resolve this dispute. Further, many radiographers may leave Auckland because it is such an unpleasant place to work. This would cause a serious shortage among this skilled group of health professionals.”

“Using strike-breakers avoids the key issue which is that there is a serious breakdown in the working relationship between senior management and health professionals, not just radiographers. Tragically the Auckland DHB lacks the sound relationships with health professionals that are essential to satisfactorily resolving difficult industrial negotiations and other issues without such intense conflict and long-term damage.”

“There is a real danger that, when this dispute eventually ends, of leaving a legacy of entrenched bitterness and hostility that it will make it impossible for the Auckland District Health Board to recruit and retain skilled staff and causing long-term shortages,” concluded Mr Powell.

Ian Powell

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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