It's time to vote! No images? Click here ![]() PHC MECA Update 9 March 2021 Kia ora Member, Now is the time to vote! This afternoon you will be sent a link to vote in the proposed 2019 Primary Health Care MECA ratification process. 496 employers have now said “yes”. Of the outstanding 79 employers as earlier advised, only one employer is a vote “no” and those members have been notified. Whilst this process was very resource intensive and did delay the timeframe it has enabled around 640 NZNO members to now participate in the NZNO ratification which is very positive. This update again details all the changes to the proposed MECA and it is very important all of the content is read. Your Negotiation Team particularly note these key points: Term of the MECA – 31 August 2021 Keeping the term of the PHC MECA to 31/8/21 was very important to your team in order to be best placed to maximise other 2021 influences. We would be back in negotiations in 5 months time. The current DHB/NZNO MECA negotiations remain ongoing. Further the outcome of the DHB/NZNO Pay Equity settlement in 2021 will inform what the pay rates should be for all nursing and midwifery roles and health care assistants across the health sector. Similarly, the DHB/PSA Pay Equity process should inform rates for medical receptionists and administration staff. Wages Registered Nurse/Practice Nurse/Midwife Scale
Employees who have been on Step 5 for 12 months or longer as at 1/2/21 will translate to Step 6 on that date. Other employees will progress to Step 6 in accordance with the appropriate years of service on the wage scale. Note: In terms of the current DHB/NZNO MECA Step 7, access to this step was after a minimum of 12 months on Step 6. It was clear this was also going to be the case for the additional funding for the new Step 6 on the PHC MECA. Given the proposed MECA expires on 31 August 2021, new Step 7 will be applicable in the 2021 MECA. Coordinator / Lead Nurse / Nurse Team Leader or similar:
Enrolled Nurse Scale
Medical Receptionist/Administration Staff Scale
Application of the additional funding The additional funding provided by the DHBs and the Ministry of Health for the new Step 6 is a first, is restricted to NZNO members only and only those workplaces that are covered by the PHC MECA. Our Campaign There is no doubt that our collectivism and campaign has seen this proposed outcome and additional funding provided for a pay parity step for the very first time. If ratified the 2021 PHC MECA expectation will be for that to be further advanced now that pay parity as a principle has finally been agreed. Where to after the ballot? If members vote to accept the proposed MECA then it will be duly signed and payments etc. made and next month we will commence preparation for the 2021 PHC MECA. If members vote not to accept the proposed MECA then we will need to resume an industrial campaign. Full details of the proposed PHC MECA changes 3. Term Delete commencement date and replace with the date the agreement has been ratified and signed. Delete “31 August 2019” and replace with “31 August 2021”. 9. Rates of remuneration Replace rates in 9.1.1, 9.1.2 and 9.1.13 with the following: ![]() For the purposes of back pay, the effective dates of pay are for those eligible employees who were employed at the dates above and who are still employed and NZNO members as at date of ratification by the NZNO. Please note: The application of this clause and in line with previous PHC MECAs, means that:
12. Professional / Educational Development Delete 12.10.1.1 and replace with the following: Merit Level 1 for Registered Nurse/Practice Nurse/Midwife/Coordinator/Lead Nurse/Nurse Team Leader or similar
An employee will be eligible for Merit Level 1 where the employee meets three or more of the responsibilities listed above. Delete 12.10.1.2 and replace with the following: Merit Level 2 for Registered Nurse/Practice Nurse/Midwife/ Coordinator/Lead Nurse/Nurse Team Leader or similar
An employee will be eligible for Merit Level 2 where the employee meets two or more of the responsibilities listed above. Add the following new clause: Domestic/Family Violence Support Employees who experience domestic/family violence can seek support and assistance from their employer. Employees dealing with such issues are encouraged to seek confidential
assistance from their employer. Matters arising outside of collective agreement Health care assistants / practice assistants (or similar roles) During the term of the MECA the parties will undertake a joint exercise to scope the nature of these roles within primary health care to inform future bargaining. Nurse Practitioners and Designated RN Prescribers During the term of the MECA the parties will undertake a joint exercise to scope the nature of these roles within primary health care to inform future bargaining. Ngā mihi, Chris Wilson on behalf of your negotiation team |