Wednesday 26 April 2006

DHB Clerical Workers Told - Pass On Calls To Minister

“DHB clerical workers contacted over disruption caused by the radiation therapists strike tomorrow (Thursday 27 April) have been advised to pass the caller onto the Minister of Health, Pete Hodgson,” said Martin Cooney, Organiser with the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE) today.

“The 14-hour action will affect public hospitals in various district health boards, with many appointments having to be rescheduled. While the clerical staff have to undertake some extra work caused by this, our members support the actions of the Association of Professional and Executive Employees.”

“In the 2002-3 round, radiation therapists won significant pay rises and they are now justifiably back in the queue trying to retain the value of that raise,” said Martin Cooney. “NUPE has been in negotiations with the CDHB for our low paid clerical workers since November 2004. The sticking point is the lack of Government funding to Boards and an offer that is significantly less than the CPI for staff whose current CEA has them starting below the minimum wage.”

“The Government funding system for health worker salaries needs to allow Boards to pay appropriate salaries. Instead it then places one group of workers in competition with another and with services to patients for insufficient funds, while the Minister of Health washes his hands of the problem,” said Martin Cooney.

“Workers who get contacted over the APEX strike are therefore advised to pass the caller onto the Minister of Health, Pete Hodgson,” said Martin Cooney. “Anyone who wishes to contact the Minister directly can contact him on phodgson@ministers.govt.nz and fax 04 495 8449

ENDS

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