Burwood Occupational Therapists Rally For 30%

Burwood Occupational Therapists Rally For 30%

“Occupational Therapists who rehabilitate patients with spinal injuries at Burwood Hospital are holding a rally today at 4:30pm to bring to the Government’s attention their campaign for a 30% catch-up for ALL health workers,” said Nadine Marshall, Secretary of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE).

“Burwood Hospital workers (also including clerical staff and social workers) have voted to join a five-day strike if an offer is not made on the 10th of August that meets the 30% claim for ALL Health Workers,” said Nadine Marshall.

Nadine Marshall said that New Zealanders recognised the critical role occupational therapists served nationally in the care and rehabilitation of people who have suffered (for example) sporting injuries and car accidents. “NUPE is sending letters out to rugby clubs to draw people’s attention to the fact that Burwood services will be disrupted and the reason – the low wages that occupational therapists are receiving for the services that provide people with an increased quality of life.”

“Today’s rally is directed at the government, who should be providing the CDHB with enough funding to ensure that Occupational Therapists (OT) who have tertiary qualifications and training equivalent to teachers and nurses are paid appropriately. The current level of OT wages is 30% below a teacher and nurse,” said Nadine Marshall.

“Government MPs need to step in to prevent disruption to services at Burwood Hospital instead of continuing to wash their hands of their responsibility to all health workers following their decision to fund a catch up in nurses’ pay,” said Nadine Marshall.

ENDS

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