No images? Click here ![]() ![]() Above: NZNO PHC strike action – Rotorua, 3 September 2020 PHC MECA Update 14 December 2020 Kia ora Member, As indicated last week we reached an improved proposed MECA. This update details all the changes to the proposed MECA and it is very important all of the detail is read. Key points of the proposed MECA include: Term of the MECA Commences the date the MECA is ratified and signed and expires on 31 August 2021. The commencement date does not affect the wage increases being backdated as detailed below. 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. The DHB/NZNO MECA negotiations remain ongoing and are recommencing in February 2021. Further the outcome of the DHB/NZNO Pay Equity settlement, once determined next year, 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. This is a 7.75% increase ($5,400 per annum) on the current MECA Step 5. Other employees will progress to Step 6 in accordance with the appropriate years of service on the wage scale. Note: In terms of this years new DHB/NZNO MECA Step 7, access to this step is after a minimum of 12 months on Step 6. Given the proposed PHC MECA expires on 31 August 2021, new Step 7 will be applicable in the 2021 PHC MECA. Coordinator / Lead Nurse / Nurse Team Leader or similar:
Enrolled Nurse Scale
Medical Receptionist/Administration Staff Scale
Where to next? As is the usual process, NZNO is now required to await the outcome of the employers' voting process. This requires 67% of employers represented by NZMA and Green Cross health to vote “yes” for the proposed MECA to then be taken to NZNO members for ratification. Only NZNO members who work for the employers who have agreed to be a party to the MECA can participate in the vote. We anticipate this may mean that NZNO members would commence voting in February 2021. This will be an online ballot. Application of the additional funding Government funding support for the improved proposed MECA (ie DHB MECA Step 6 pay parity) is clearly restricted to NZNO members only and only those workplaces that are covered by the PHC MECA. Accord Pay parity for the sector will continue to be progressed by way of an Accord between employer representatives and DHBs and the Director General of Health and a plan established by 31 March 2021. Our collective strength and campaign has seen this outcome! Take care, Ngā mihi Chris Wilson 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. 12. Professional / Educational Development Delete 12.10.1.1 and replace with the following:
Delete 12.10.1.2 and replace with the following:
Add the following new clause:
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. |