Strike notices served but mediation set down

Strike notices served but further mediation set down

The PSA and New Zealand Nurses Organisation have served strike notices on the Southland District Health Board for industrial action to commence on September 22 and conclude on October 14, PSA Organiser Mark Ryan said today.

The action notified to the SDHB includes rolling stoppages, a two-day strike, work-to-rule, overtime call-back, and on-call duty roster bans. The notices also include an anti-suspension measure whereby if any union member is suspended as a consequence of work bans, then all union members will walk off the job until those suspensions are lifted.

Mark Ryan said the action was an unfortunate but necessary step in the pursuit of a fair and reasonable settlement for union members covered by the Professional, Technical and Related Collective Employment Agreement.

"The action is a reflection of the seriousness with which union members view achieving a satisfactory outcome to this round of bargaining. However, in a further effort to stave off the action, there will be another attempt at mediation on September 17, an offer instigated by the unions after the failure of the last mediation."

Mark Ryan said the PTR covers allied health professionals who include amongst others occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, nurses, and pharmacists.

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