DHBs welcome settlement in Junior Doctors’ Negotns

MEDIA STATEMENT
15 NOVEMBER, 2006

DHBs welcome settlement in Junior Doctors’ Negotiations

Chief Executives of the country’s 21 District Health Boards will meet to consider ratifying a settlement in the year-long negotiations with Junior Doctors for a new employment agreement.

DHB spokesman and lead negotiator, Dr Nigel Murray, says the settlement package was agreed last month and he’s pleased that Junior Doctors have now ratified the deal.

CEOs are meeting in Wellington next week and Dr Murray says he expects the DHBs will also ratify the settlement deal as well.

The DHBs’ claim centred on a Memorandum of Understanding for trialling new ways of working and a realistic, affordable pay deal.

“We budgeted for 3% to increase doctors’ pay and conditions – the union chose to take it all on wages - the annualised cost is within our The annualised cost is 3% and an example of how we can get a deal that meets the doctors’ needs without exceeding funding parameters.

“The MoU also gives us a process where hospitals have increased flexibility in rostering and we have a mechanism for meaningful dialogue outside than the cycle of confrontation that usually surrounds pay talks.

“Once the deal is signed, we can begin the work.”

ENDS

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