Media Release                                  2 July 2018

NZNO recommends and releases DHB MECA offer

Releasing the revised DHB Multi Employer Collective Agreement for Nurses, Midwives and Healthcare Assistants, Industrial Services Manager Cee Payne said today that the offer achieves a number of the priorities identified through members’ feedback on the previous offer: 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,” Cee Payne 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.

“We are pleased to have achieved the commitment to pay equity implementation in the proposed DHB MECA term, with pay equity negotiations expected to result in further pay increases before its expiry.

 “A key aspect of this offer is the $38 million additional funding to provide immediate relief for acute staffing shortages. Each DHB will receive funding to employ additional staff in hospitals and in the community to relieve staff shortages.

“Strengthened wording of and resourcing for the Care Capacity Demand Management programme implementation will mean DHBs can engage staff dedicated to the implementation of the safe staffing programme,” Cee Payne said.

Online voting for DHB members opens on Tuesday 3 July (tomorrow) and will close at 5pm Monday 9 July.

No further comment or media interviews will be given until after the outcome of the member online voting on the revised offer is announced.

https://www.nzno.org.nz/Portals/0/Files/Documents/Groups/Health%20Sectors/2018-07-02%20DHB%20MECA%20full%20bulletin%20June%20offer%20FINAL.pdf

Media enquiries to: NZNO media adviser, Karen Coltman 027 431 2617.