Nurses at three private hospitals, owned by Evolution
Healthcare Ltd in Wellington and Hawke’s Bay, will embark
on a 24-hour strike on Thursday morning following a
breakdown of talks with their employer.
More than 230
NZNO Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) members
have been in protracted bargaining with Evolution Healthcare
for the past 15 months culminating in urgent but failed
mediation via the Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment on Wednesday.
“Our battle is over having
decent wage increases and parity and conditions as nurses
who work for Te Whatu Ora, and we are committed to achieving
an increase that reflects what we are worth and mitigates
the cost-of-living crisis all members face,” Wakefield
Hospital nurse and NZNO delegate Lisa Blackmore
said.
“Our demands include wages backpaid at the rate
of inflation (7.3 percent); wages for 2022 onwards at Te
Whatu Ora Pay Equity rates; and the same public holiday and
sick leave entitlements as Te Whatu Ora
employees.
“Evolution has offered well below this.
They have resolutely refused to move and have not
meaningfully engaged in mediation.”
The strike will
take place from 7am on Thursday 20 October to 7am on Friday
21 October at the Wakefield and Bowen hospitals in
Wellington, and Royston Hospital in Hawke’s
Bay.
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