D-day on nurses’ vote

The final votes have been cast in a crucial ballot which will determine if thousands of nurses around the country walk off the job later this week. Nurses, seen campaigning above, had until 5pm yesterday to vote on the latest revised collective agreement from district health boards (DHBs). The New Zealand Nurses Organisation, which recommended the offer, will release the outcome of the online ballot this morning. It is widely expected to be close. Meanwhile, DHBs are again beginning to postpone elective surgeries and outpatient appointments in preparation for the 24-hour strike planned from 7am Thursday.