Kia Ora
Contingency planning underway for potential nurses’ full withdrawal of labour This email is to draw your attention to the negotiations which are currently ongoing between District Health Boards and the nurses’ union NZNO, to address nurses’ concerns about their pay and conditions of work. Two days mediation between the two parties is scheduled to be held on 18 and 19 May. Whilst we are all hoping for, and working towards, an amicable resolution we need to be prepared if this doesn’t happen. The NZNO has indicated their next step could be full withdrawal of labour from 11 am to 7pm on Wednesday 9 June by its members. The effect of removing a large percentage of the nursing workforce from our hospitals, for even a short period of time, is hard to overstate. And to ensure patient safety, we must be prepared as an organisation, should this full withdrawal of labour take place. Contingency planning has begun in all DHBs across New Zealand. It is important to remember that the decisions made throughout this contingency planning process will be made in the best interest of our patients and staff. I would ask for your understanding should any of these decisions impact you. We will keep you informed of this possible full withdrawal of labour, as we know more. Ngā mihi Julie Robinson Lead Contingency Planning BOPDHB 12 May 2021
Andrea Baker Acting Senior Portfolio Manager