Panel’s review falls short of nurses’ expectations

A Government-formed panel, designed to break an impasse between nurses and District Health Boards over tense pay negotiations, may have failed in its objective.

The independent group has released its findings but the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has expressed immediate disappointment in a number of its recommendations, particularly around pay.

The panel was an 11th-hour bid by the Government to avoid a health strike in the middle of flu season. Chaired by former Speaker Margaret Wilson, the panel was tasked with breaking down the roadblock in negotiations between the nurses union and district health boards (DHBs).

The panel heard submissions over the past six weeks, from the parties, and has recommended a three per cent pay rise and a lump sum payment of $2000 to be paid on ratification to each nurse and midwife covered by the agreement.

It also made a number of recommendations around the working conditions of nurses, including a suggestion the ‘‘Minister of Health sets a clear expectation that DHBs must have sufficient nursing resources to ensure patient and nurse safety’’ through a letter of expectation.

And the panel recommended pay equity negotiations be conducted during the term of the agreement ‘‘with a view to concluding the negotiations during the term’’.

NZNO industrial services manager Cee Payne said the union welcomed a recommendation for an additional 2 per cent funding to ensure DHBs had appropriate levels of nursing and midwifery workforce capacity but the report fell short in a number of other areas.

In particular, around the prioritisation of a one-off lump sum payment in the first year rather than investing this directly into a salary scale and a 10-month delay to pay increases.

The panel has also recommended a longer term for the pay agreement than what DHBs had previously agreed to. Cee Payne, New Zealand Nurses Organisation

‘‘I would like to think there would be a feeling that the offer would be satisfactory,’’ Payne said. ‘‘We want to know they value the work of nurses now, not in six years but that’s in the Government’s and DHB’s hands.’’

Panel chair Margaret Wilson said she was confident the report had found a way forward for both parties.

‘‘The panel recognises just how valuable nurses are to the health workforce and it is important for DHBs to explore ways they can strengthen the leadership and influence of nursing within their organisations,’’ she said. ‘‘I believe these recommendations balance the interests of both parties and provide a platform for a renewed partnership on which the MECA can be agreed.’’

Finance Minister Grant Robertson said he was pleased the panel had made its recommendations but would not comment on their content. ‘‘We await the response from both DHBs and nurses and then we’ll make decisions then.’’

The recommendations are non-binding but DHBs are now expected to make an updated offer to the union on Monday.