DHBs seek urgent facilitation to try and avert strike action

DHBs seek urgent facilitation to try and avert strike action

District Health Boards and NZNO are seeking the intervention of the Employment Relations Authority after mediation with the New Zealand Nurses Organisation ended today without agreement on a revised offer.

“While this is a setback, we will continue to do everything we can to settle this agreement and avoid strikes.”

DHBs and NZNO have asked the Employment Relations Authority for urgent facilitation. This involves the Authority making a recommendation for settlement.

Meanwhile, DHBs are continuing to implement contingency plans to ensure emergency and essential services are available if the strike goes ahead.

Ms Mason says DHBs have constructively engaged with the NZNO in the contingency planning process.

“Our aim is to keep everyone safe during any potential strike – patients and staff alike – and that means significant changes to normal services. Each DHB will be in touch with their affected patients to provide more information on this.”

Ms Mason says if the strike goes ahead, people should not delay seeking medical treatment and go to hospital if the matter is urgent. They should dial 111 for emergencies or an ambulance.

For all other matters people should do what they normally do and visit their GP or visit a local pharmacy, and free medical advice is available 24/7 through Healthline (phone 0800 Healthline - 0800 611 116).

Neither party will be making further comment or be giving interviews relating to the negotiations at this point.

ENDS

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