The Canterbury District
Health Board is very disappointed that NUPE has decided to
issue notice of a five day strike effective from 29 August
2005.
The DHB’s General Manager Hospital & Specialist
Service Jock Muir said that although the DHB was yet to
receive formal notification of the strike notice, Health
Board staff would be developing its contingency plans as
soon as possible.
‘Obviously a strike like this affects
many patients and we want to minimise this as much as
possible. The strike notice affects about 480 of our 8000
staff across mental health, occupational health therapists,
dental health, clerical, maintenance and information
technology as well as some mortuary technicians.’
‘NUPE is
asking for a 30% pay rise which in our current financial
climate is an untenable request.’
Mr Muir said he was
waiting to receive the formal notification from the union
and what mediation steps would be
required.
Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) is a Christchurch, New Zealand based hospital and healthcare provider for the
Canterbury region of New Zealand. Our region extends from Kekerengu in the North, to Rangitata in the South and Arthurs Pass in the West and comprises the six Territorial Local Authorities of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Christchurch City, Selwyn and Ashburton.
We collaborate with other health and disability organisations, stakeholders and our community to decide what health and disability services are needed and how to best use the funding we receive from Government to improve, promote and protect the health, wellbeing and independence of our population.
At the Canterbury DHB, our vision is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in Canterbury.