South Island DHB staff planning strikes

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South Island hospital staff say they may strike if a pay dispute is not resolved.

More than 800 administration and clerical staff who are Public Service Association (PSA) members have given notice of industrial action, a requirement for workers who provide an essential service.

PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said most South Island District Health Board (DHB) staff were paid less than their counterparts in the North Island, despite doing the same work.

"This isn't fair and the Government needs to work with the DHBs to ensure these workers are fairly paid for the essential work they perform.

"These workers do the essential work that enables doctors, nurses, radiologists and other clinical staff at public hospitals to focus on treating patients."

The bottom pay rate for administration and clerical staff at North Island DHBs was $30,500, while in the South Island some were on $27,641 – 78 cents an hour above minimum wage, he said.

The industrial action was due to start on November 18, with union members taking breaks at the same time.

If no agreement was reached by November 23 they would start rolling strikes.

A Canterbury DHB spokeswoman said contingency plans would be in place to minimise any disruption.

Last month thousands of hospital staff, including orderlies, security guards and cleaners fro the Service and Food Workers Union, picketed to protest the lack of a pay rise this year.

- NZPA