Kia ora koutou It has been some time since the last MECA Matters but there has been a lot going on away from the negotiating table since the last one. A recap On the last days of negotiations the DHBs made what they described as their final offer and the ASMS team rejected this as unsatisfactory. At the same time we gave them what we described as a package of claims that was our final offer at that point but this was rejected. As a result we decided to call for stop work meetings at every DHB to report back fully and seek feedback from members. We met the DHB team on July 30th in a last ditch attempt to get some movement but this was unsuccessful. The stop work meetings were held across two weeks (Monday 2 August – Friday 13 August) and we held over 30 meetings. These were very successful and we gained very useful feedback. As promised at the stop work meetings we then sent a survey to every member. We managed to get it out quickly, just a day before the country went back into a nationwide Covid lockdown on August 18th. Survey Results The survey closed on August 27th. We had a very good response rate and the results were then thoroughly analysed for National Executive discussion. The lockdown did create some delays and the next National Executive meeting was by Zoom on September 9th. A majority of members showed support for some kind of industrial action, with a variety of views as to what form of action that could take. Clearly we will not be looking at industrial action while in various stages of Covid lockdown. At this stage we are now organising a full ASMS MECA team meeting where the survey and our direction will be discussed. What’s next? The DHBs have asked us to go to mediation to try to resolve the issues between us and we have agreed. We will provide further information about the mediation process one terms have been agreed. If mediation can be arranged quickly with an acceptable outcome, a ballot for industrial action will not be required. In any event we will only ballot if necessary and in good time. At the moment while we wait to see what happens with the Delta outbreak of Covid, we cannot meet easily face-to-face with the employers and negotiations are stalled. Our wider negotiation team will meet to discuss the situation, which will help Natioanl Executive with its decision-making. Kevin Snee (the DHB Chief Executive responsible for negotiations) has now responded positively to an ASMS request for high level talks – and some safe staffing discussions are now pending. In summary MECA 2021 is far from over but we are continuing to work towards an acceptable outcome. The COVID outbreak has changed things for the sector and government, and we may need to reset some of our thinking by taking this into consideration. These decisions will be made by the National Executive after discussion with the wider negotiations team. Don’t forget if you want to highlight your frustrations over the stalled MECA talks or your workplace pressures, you can write to Government Ministers or your local MP. Health Minister Andrew Little - a.little@ministers.govt.nz Associate Health Minister Ayesha Verrall – a.verrall@ministers.govt.nz Associate Health Minister Peeni Henare – p.henare@ministers.govt.nz Read an example of a letter written by an ASMS member here You can also have a powerful voice by submitting a letter or opinion piece to the media. A great example is one written recently by Dr Alex Kazemi here. Lastly, thanks to all of you who attended the stop work meetings and the many more who filled out the survey and especially to the ASMS representatives who helped with the stop work meetings. If you have any questions or feedback about the MECA talks, you can respond to this email or contact us at meca@asms.org.nz All the best to everybody. Ngā mihi Lloyd Woods |