PHC MECA settled

Thursday, 7 December 2006

PHC MECA settled

The New Zealand Medical Association and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation have reached a settlement on the Primary Health Care MECA (Multi Employer Collective Agreement).

This is a new MECA which supersedes the previous National Practice Nurse Collective Employment Agreement (which expired on 30 November 2005) and National Medical Receptionist Collective Employment Agreement, and brings in other primary health sector employment agreements.

The settlement includes a significant pay increase for registered nurses, but is not based on parity with DHB pay rates.

The NZMA represents 580 employers in the negotiations. The MECA covers registered nurses, practice nurses, enrolled nurses/nurse assistants, midwives, administration staff and medical receptionists, who are members of the NZNO. The PHC MECA negotiations have been ongoing since late 2005.

NZMA negotiator Dr Branko Sijnja said the negotiations have been complex and difficult at times.

"The MECA was an ambitious undertaking due to the large number of employers involved, and reaching a settlement which would be suitable for the majority of employers was challenging. The NZMA is pleased that settlement has finally been achieved," Dr Sijnja said.

The agreement will now be sent to employers for ratification. The ratification process requires at least 67% of employers to ratify the proposed agreement.

ENDS

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