Above: NZNO PHC strike action – four Waitara (Taranaki) nurses, 9 November 2020

PHC MECA Update 30 November 2020

Kia ora Member,

Despite assurances from the Ministry of Health and DHBs that the employers would be in a position to return to negotiations with an improved offer (and they had met many times prior) there was not an offer able to be tabled on Friday.

It was evident the employers were very disappointed and frustrated that this had not been possible.

Your negotiation team indicated they believed there were good faith issues in terms of the Ministry/DHB assurance given to the employers, and we have today passed that on to the Ministry of Health.

Notwithstanding we used the day to have constructive dialogue with the employers around the key issues to further inform their urgent discussions with the funders this week.

On this basis negotiations will resume on Monday 7 December.

NZNO was very clear that if there is not an improved offer made by Monday 7 December we will immediately ballot for industrial action. We further noted we are not required to give 14 days notice as we have previously done.

This same approach and timeframe was also indicated to the Ministry of Health today. They confirmed this matter remains urgent for them.

It is appreciated these are frustrating times for all of us.

Ngā mihi,

Chris Wilson