Good afternoon everyone
Following the NZNO’s ballot on strike action, the NZNO has today confirmed that an overwhelming majority of their members have voted to strike and this will be proceeding for eight hours on Thursday 3rd September from 8.00am to 4.00pm. Formal notice from the Union will be sent next Wednesday 26 August in order to comply with notice requirements. In the meantime, we are finalising an advisory to assist employer parties and GPs to understand the process and to meet their contractual, legal and professional obligations and this will be sent early next week. We fully acknowledge the additional pressure and stress this will have on practices, particularly with the resurgence of COVID-19, but as you are aware negotiations have been ongoing since November last year. No stone been left unturned seeking the funding required to close the pay gap between primary care nurses and their hospital colleagues. An opportunity exists right now for the Government to commit to pay parity and the required funding to General Practice to resolve this situation and avoid strike action. We continue to urge them to do so. If you have any questions or concerns please send them through as this will help ensure our advisory next week is comprehensive and gives you the information you need to know. We are already aware that there is some discussion whether GPs and practice teams can also strike in support. The Act provides that participation in a strike is lawful if the strike is lawful under the Act, and it relates to bargaining for a collective agreement that will bind each of the employees concerned. Participation is unlawful if that's not the case. This means that as doctors aren't covered by the collective bargaining in question, they can't strike. This doesn't stop you
taking other action if you wish to express support.
We will also provide information on Life Preserving Services and the provisions under the Employment Relations Act. The NZNO’s bulletin is copied below.
Kind regards Robyn –––––
>> NZNO bulletin