PSA disappointed DHB to appeal overtime ruling

A union has hit out at a decision by the South Canterbury District Health Board (SCDHB) to appeal a decision potentially improving the pay packets of some of its staff.

In April the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) ruled that the pay for on call shifts of a group of six anaesthetic technicians could be reassessed.

When on call, staff had to be available for work during an entire shift but whether they were called into the hospital for a case was dependent on whether there was any work.

The technicians said a requirement for them to be no further than 10 minutes from Timaru Hospital, while on call, meant they had to stay in hospital accommodation.

They argued the time they were under the 10 minute requirement should be regarded as work, and they should be paid accordingly.

A Public Services Association (PSA) spokeswoman confirmed on Wednesday the SCDHB had lodged an appeal with the Employment Court, and the union had filed its statement of defence.

‘‘We are disappointed the DHB has appealed, although obviously it is their right to do so. We firmly believe the workers deserve to be paid for the time they spend on call.

‘‘The PSA is working closely with the affected members.’’

In the original decision, ERA member Helen Doyle said the DHB did not accept that all of an on call shift was ‘‘capable of amounting to work’’.

The health board said the remuneration received by technicians compensated ‘‘for the overall job including salary and payments for being on call, overtime and callouts’’.

The technicians argued having no choice but to use accommodation provided, put ‘‘substantial and significant’’ constraints on their freedom.

The health board was not able to respond by deadline.