Striking radiographers return to work

Fairfax

STRIKE ACTION: Radiographers have turned down an unbackdated increase of 1 percent, with another 1 percent later this year.

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Striking radiographers returned to work this morning after a one-day national strike in support of their contracts claim.

Eight hundred radiographers around the country walked off the job at 7am yesterday except Christchurch which pulled out of the industrial action following Saturday's devastating earthquake which sent hundreds of people to hospitals, mostly with minor injuries.

Radiographers returned to work in Auckland on Monday after a three-day strike but walked off the job again yesterday.

The strikers made themselves available for "life and limb preserving" situations but hospitals reported that they generally were able to cope.

The action came after the breakdown of talks with district health boards just over a week ago.

Radiographers have turned down an unbackdated increase of 1 percent, with another 1 percent later this year.

They are asking for the backdated pay as well as time in lieu for professional development courses.

The DHBs say they cannot afford the extra cash.

- NZPA