Pay glitches

Ongoing payroll issues at the Waikato District Health Board have left some staff short of money in the week before Christmas.

One staff member anonymously told Stuff they were $400-$500 short from their latest pay round on December 23.

The employee said it had been a constant issue, particularly among nurses and midwives.

‘‘For this week it’s pretty thin. Having $80 going into Christmas – it’s not the end of the world, but it’s not the greatest either.’’

Every payday she had to check she had been paid correctly.

‘‘It’s very common that we all sit around and double-check our slips. Most people find that if they leave it for a year they are underpaid by $1000, or if they check it each pay round you are probably underpaid by $100.

‘‘We talk about it all the time at work – ‘remember to check your pay’.’’

Pay rates varied on the time of the day and day of the week, which meant staff had to thoroughly analyse their hours.

‘‘It’s quite stressful having to go back every single pay round and double-check that you have been paid accurately. It’s not something I look forward to doing.’’

If they were underpaid, staff then had to find the documentation to show the shifts they had worked. This was timeconsuming and took them away from their core role, the employee said.

‘‘We are rostered so we are working around the clock, so your time is precious.

‘‘If you have just gone on to a