BOP hospital workers in fight for fair pay

BOP hospital workers in fight for fair pay

Trades and stores workers at Bay of Plenty public hospitals are on strike in a dispute over pay.

Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union national secretary Andrew Little said the claim by 45 workers at the Bay of Plenty District Health Board for a five per cent pay rise was modest in the circumstances.

“These tradespeople are earning around $2 an hour less than others in the area with the same skills,” he said.

“Given the rising cost of living, and the fact that the vast majority of unionised workers are getting five per cent pay rises, their claim is extremely modest.”

The district health board had offered a three per cent pay rise, which Mr Little said was totally inadequate.

The strike began today and will continue tomorrow. Mr Little said that further action could not be ruled out if the dispute wasn’t settled.

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