Mediation fails, employer walks away

Mediation fails, employer walks away

Mediation between the PSA, New Zealand Nurses Organisation, and the Southland District Health Board failed last night when the employer walked away after rejecting a last minute compromise from the unions, PSA organiser Mark Ryan said today.

The mediation was a result of a breakdown in negotiations for the Professional, Technical, and Related Collective Employment Agreement covering allied health professionals who include occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses, and pharmacists.

Mark Ryan said the unions had offered to straw-poll its members on a revised offer.

“SDHB rejected that option, paving the way for industrial action by allied health professionals. We are disappointed at the actions of the SDHB. Despite significant revisions of our position in these negotiations and our last minute offer to at least straw-poll members about a possible settlement, the employer walked out.”

“The crux of the mediation collapse was a timing issue over the coming into effect of a number of proposed improvements that relate mainly to pharmacy staff and on-call arrangements.”

Mark Ryan said union members have been left in the invidious position of having to take industrial action in pursuit of what the unions believe is a fair and reasonable settlement.

“The PSA and NZNO will be issuing strike notices shortly for a significant period of action which will have a major impact on health services.”

ENDS

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