NZCTU health unions & DHBs Optimistic Over Negotiations

6 July 2011

DHBs and the NZCTU affiliated health sector unions are optimistic ahead of their employment negotiations when the two groups meet on July 7th/8th to commence bargaining.

DHBs acknowledge the significance of this group of unions who make up 80 percent of the health sector workforce and comprise nearly 55,000 employees.

Both parties are seeking solutions to issues of mutual interest during bargaining and an agreement to work together on the problems and challenges facing the health system.

“While it is early days for these talks we look forward to holding a constructive dialogue with the ten unions represented in these negotiations,” says DHBs spokesperson Phil Cammish.

“Despite the challenging financial times we live in if we all work together, then we can create a stable health service that the public can feel confident will always be there when they need it,” he added.

Lead union advocate and NZNO spokesperson Glenda Alexander says “Unions and DHBs need to work together to seek better ways to improve the sustainability of the health workforce and deliver the best possible service that can be achieved within the current fiscally constrained environment”.

“We need to work constructively together to achieve a successful outcome from these negotiations,” says Glenda Alexander.

Bargaining will continue through July.

ENDS

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