Second Strike For Evolution Healthcare Nurses

More than 230 New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga
Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) members from three
hospitals owned by Evolution Healthcare will resume strike
action tomorrow following a breakdown of talks with the
employer.

Wakefield Hospital nurse and NZNO delegate
Lisa Blackmore said members at the Wakefield and Bowen
hospitals in Wellington, and Royston Hospital in Hastings
will strike again on Thursday after Evolution’s refusal to
meet with NZNO despite repeated calls to return to the
bargaining table.

The battle is over having the same
wages and conditions as nurses who work for Te Whatu
Ora.

“We are committed to achieving an increase that
reflects what we are worth and mitigates the cost-of-living
crisis all members face,” Lisa Blackmore said.

Demands
include wages back paid at the rate of inflation (7.3
percent); wages for 2022 onwards at Te Whatu Ora Pay Equity
rates; and premium, public holiday qualification and double
time, and increases in the number of sick leave
days.

“The employer has not met with us since 6
September at mediation despite a member signed resolution
urging the employer to return to the bargaining
table.

“Over the past few days, the employer has
released information about parts of a new proposed offer to
the media. As you are aware negotiations don’t take place
within the media, but rather between the parties to a
collective agreement, so this is a breach of good faith,”
Lisa Blackmore said.

Last week members voted not to
withdraw their strike notices for 1 and 14 December. This
ballot came after Evolution said it would only release its
new, board-approved proposed offer if NZNO withdrew its
strike notices.

Lisa Blackmore said despite Evolution
Healthcare’s repeated declaration that they have a new
proposed offer for their members, they have not so far
returned to the bargaining table.

NZNO’s Evolution
Healthcare members also went on strike for 24-hours on 20
October.

Tomorrow’s strike rallies take place from
11am – 2pm at Wakefield Hospital and 3pm – 5.30pm at Bowen
Hospital. Royston Hospital members will picket from 10am –
12pm.

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