Strike action by attendants at Waikato Hospital

Thursday, 28 January 2010, 4:17 pm
Press Release: Waikato District Health Board

Strike action by attendants at Waikato Hospital

The Unite Incorporated (Unite) union called a 24-hour strike this Friday 29 January for members employed as attendants at Waikato Hospital.

The direct impacts on patients and the public will be minimal. Waikato DHB has ensured all essential and urgent patient-related tasks will be maintained through the 24-hour period (starting immediately after midnight on Thursday and ending at midnight on Friday).

There may be delays in non-urgent attendant tasks such as mail runs and collecting rubbish.

The total number of attendants employed at Waikato Hospital is approximately 115 staff. Not all of these staff are members of the Unite union. There are normally around 75 staff rostered to cover a 24-hour period. Of those about 34 will be striking.

Human Resources general manager Fiona McCarthy said Waikato DHB regretted the union opted to take strike action.

"The action will have minimal impact on patients and public. We are always open to meeting with the union, however not while served with strike action."

ENDS

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Waikato District Health Board

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