Kia ora Just a few things we thought you might want to know about. MECA facilitation updateASMS and the DHBs attended a second day of facilitated bargaining on Friday 18 March. The facilitation process is being run by Employment Relations Authority Members Peter van Keulen and Michele Ryan. The process is being run on a confidential basis and we will not be able to report on details until the process is complete, at which point we hope to have either an agreed outcome or a positive recommendation from the Authority. There is a third day of facilitation set down for Wednesday 30 March. Ethnicity detailsThis year ASMS has started collecting members’ ethnicity data. It’s entirely optional, but it helps us represent you in the best way possible. And it has been immediately relevant as ASMS sets up its new Māori Advisory Committee. We’re also looking to pick up non-work email addresses and phone numbers at the same time to ensure we can communicate with everyone inside and outside of work, as well as during any disruption in the transition to Health New Zealand. After our first request about a quarter of members have already provided their ethnicity details. If you would like to and haven’t already, follow this link. Progress on surge agreementsIn the face of ongoing Omicron pressures, a number of services have now used the provisions of the MECA to agree a special “surge agreement”. Several more are in the process of doing so. For more information about surge agreements, see our fact sheet “A Surge or Crisis Agreement”. And follow up with your industrial officer if your service has not considered one and you think it would be relevant. Upcoming JCCsWe’re a bit over halfway through the first round of JCCs for 2022. So far, they have been a good opportunity to seek some clarity from CEs about the MECA negotiations and what is happening in their name at the bargaining table. It’s also allowed some focus on surge and Omicron planning. Zoom details for your JCC should arrive in your inbox. If they don’t please contact asms@asms.nz.
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