health workers oppose employer’s scab tactics

Health workers oppose employer’s approach to industrial action

PSA Allied Health workers at Midcentral, Palmerston North, who are presently taking industrial action, are very concerned at attempts by Midcentral District Health Board to obtain nurses and private practice therapists to cover duties during the action, PSA Organiser John Shennan said today.

“Midcentral Health seem to be exploring their options in an effort to reduce the effects of the industrial action. We understand they have approached nurses and private practice therapists to undertake duties normally performed by our members. By requesting staff to work in areas outside their normal practice we consider Midcentral to be risking the registration of those health professionals and to be compromising patient safety.”

John Shennan said the nurses and therapists had been advised by their own professional bodies not to undertake the duties requested of them.

John Shennan said PSA therapy staff involved in the industrial action had taken the action reluctantly but were left with no alternative following nine months of negotiation and mediation. Midcentral management had not sought to meet with the PSA since the action commenced.

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