Psychologists Anxious Over Pay Depression

Saturday 27 August 2005

Psychologists Anxious Over Pay Depression

“60 Clinical Psychologists employed by the Capital Coast and Hutt Valley District Health Boards will proceed with their first ever full strike action to get Government funding for their 30% catch-up with nurses and doctors,” said Nadine Marshall, Secretary of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) today.

She was commenting on the strike action set to begin Monday and to continue for the week 29 August to 2 September. PSA mental health nurses have withdrawn their strike action planned for Monday.

“It’s clear that their pay is seriously depressed and the Psychologists feel undervalued and worthless,” said Nadine Marshall.

“Clinical Psychologists salaries normally fall between Doctors and Nurses, but are currently lagging more than 30% below their traditional relativity since catch-ups to both groups,” said Nadine Marshall. “Wellington Clinical Psychologists’ pay was already lower by $12,000 compared to the rest of NZ.”

“They want some answers from the Government who should be funding the Boards to make an offer to settle the 12 month long dispute. The Psychologists will rally in Parliament on Monday. They hope to invite the Minister of Health Annette King to help them sort out the problem after the Cabinet meeting.”

“Most New Zealanders will find it incredible that the Government would allow the negotiations with highly qualified Clinical Psychologists to get to the point where they voted to strike for the first time,” said Nadine Marshall.

ENDS

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