Kia ora member,

The strike day is tomorrow!

How frustrating that we have not yet been listened to in terms of an acceptable resolution...

Nevertheless, let’s take this opportunity and make tomorrow collective, visible and “red” so we can show our commitment to achieving pay parity.

Tomorrow

A rally will occur in Pōneke/Wellington outside Parliament from 12pm-1pm. You are encouraged to wear uniforms and other red options. The rally will be silent and members will form lines with social distancing and masks while holding signs with key messages on them. 

In Ōtautahi/Christchurch there will be a similar rally with members lining up on Bealey Avenue (near Manchester St) from 12pm-1pm.

Local rallies/gatherings

Other gatherings/rallies should take place at the same time as the larger rallies, i.e. 12pm-1pm. You can decide whether you want to hold a local gathering in a central area or at your workplace. In some areas this has already been worked through by local NZNO staff and you will be emailed local details if this is the case. Local rallies should follow the same structure as the larger rallies.

To limit numbers and to be exemplary around contract tracing and social distancing we are asking for only our PHC MECA members to attend these rallies. We know there are many of your NZNO member colleagues who want to stand alongside you tomorrow and we are letting them know other ways they can support you.

One way is for yourself, your friends, colleagues and whānau to sign and share our digital letter to Hon Chris Hipkins urging the Government to ensure DHBs can provide the funding needed to remedy the Primary Health Care pay inequity and to properly value our Primary Health Care workers. We are heading towards 2,000 sent already!

We have made Facebook frames available for everyone to use (available on the NZNO Facebook Page) and are also encouraging other members to actively support you on social media.

We have put together a set of FAQs around the strike action that you may find helpful. And don’t forget the posters that have been developed to support strike day activities. These should be printed in A3 for the rallies/gatherings, but A4 is still fine. 

Lastly, a hardship fund is available for members who face financial challenges as a result of the strike, but there are criteria that need to be met. Find out more and apply here (after the strike).

Take care and keep safe.

Ngā mihi,

Chris Wilson