Deadlock continues, strike to go ahead

WELLINGTON: Resident doctors are to go ahead with two strikes in the coming weeks after failed mediation with the district health boards.

The junior doctors have set in place a second 48hour strike this Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as a third strike to take place on February 12 and 13.

Senior advocate for the New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association (NZRDA) David Munro said, ‘‘the failure on the part of the DHBs to withdraw clawbacks at mediation yesterday only strengthened the resolve of our members’’.

‘‘The resident doctors are committed and unwavering in their ongoing battle for a fair deal. They will continue strike action in defence of their collective agreement,’’ he said.

‘‘We are beyond frustrated at the fixed position of the DHBs. In effect, we took every claim off the table, but that was not enough.

‘‘While the DHBs will offer a similar pay rise to others received in the health sector, they will only do so if we give up existing provisions that protect our members.’’

The 48hour strike will begin when 3000 resident doctors stop work on Tuesday morning.

Both parties blame the other for the breakdown in talks at a scheduled mediation on Thursday.

DHB spokesman Peter Bramley said the association had provided no new suggestions on the proposal to address issues of ‘‘supporting local flexibility in rostering to provide better care and training’’.

‘‘It’s hard to find a solution when the RDA is already balloting for more

strikes in February — that’s hardly good faith and suggests it had already made up its mind to keep striking,’’ Dr Bramley said.

Hospitals had been making contingencies in preparation for the strikes and would notify any affected patients.

‘‘Essential and emergency services will be maintained during the strike next Tuesday and Wednesday and people should not delay seeking medical treatment if needed.

The first strike took place on January 15 and 16. — NZME