Offer satisfies nurses’ union
The nurses’ union is recommending its members accept a revised collective agreement that it says ‘‘addresses the historical undervaluing of nurses and midwives’’. The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has released details of the latest offer from district health boards (DHBS), which came out of a facilitation process overseen by the Employment Relations Authority at the end of last week. The total value of the offer is believed to be the same as the $520 million package rejected by NZNO members two weeks ago. However, the offer has been restructured to a degree that the union is now recommending it to members. NZNO industrial services manager Cee Payne said the offer achieved a number of the priorities identified through members’ feedback: pay; pay equity; and safe staffing measures. ‘‘A primary reason we recommend the offer is because it addresses the historical undervaluing of nurses and midwives. We are determined to see nursing in New Zealand become, once again, a rewarding and attractive profession that people wish to join and grow a career in,’’ she said. ‘‘The revised offer includes additional financial recognition for all occupational groups covered by the DHB Meca which is distributed fairly. ‘‘These additions are above general wage increases.’’ The offer sets a December 31 implementation date for any pay equity settlement to come into effect. It also includes $38m for immediate relief for staffing and workload issues. ‘‘Recruiting for the additional staff resources is to commence from July 1 and can be allocated in both the hospital setting and the community,’’ NZNO analysis of the new offer said. A 24-hour strike planned for Thursday was called off by the union last Friday so members could assess and vote on the new offer. Online voting begins today and runs until next Monday. Notice of a second 24-hour strike planned for Thursday July 12 remains in place. The NZNO, which represents about 29,500 nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants employed by DHBS, has been in negotiations with health boards for a new collective since June last year. Three previous offers from DHBS have been rejected in an increasingly fraught standoff, which saw an independent panel step in to try to break the impasse.