Source: Radio New Zealand
Nurse Sarita Sharma on strike in Wellington. SAMUEL RILLSTONE / RNZ
Nearly two years of bargaining has ended with nurses, midwives and health care assistants voting to accept the latest Collective Agreement.
The agreement would see around 35,000 members get a 2.5 percent salary increase in year one and a 2 percent increase in year two, the health minister said.
It would also see a $2000 salary adjustment for nurses at the top of pay scale, and lump sum payments of $1300 for senior designated nurses and $1000 for all others.
Other allowances would also increase, and see the nurse practitioner professional development allowance jump to $6000 per year.
A Safe Patient Care Statement of Intent will also be developed by NZNO and Health New Zealand as part of the agreement.
More than 38,000 union members working for Te Whatu Ora could vote in the secret ballot.
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation said work would now begin to implement the agreement including researching nurse-to-patient ratios and applying a cultural lens to Te Tiriti commitments.
Delegate Dawn Barrett, who was involved in bargaining, said the union recognised that many members who voted to reject the offer, were willing to carry on the fight.
“We could not have made any progress without their willingness to stand up for what was right for patients and nursing staff.
“We recognise that many members who voted to reject this offer were willing to carry on the fight.
“We celebrate you and know there is more to be done as we continue to battle to ensure all New Zealanders get the care they need and our nurses, midwives and health care assistants are properly recognised and valued.”
Health Minister Simeon Brown. RNZ / Mark Papalii
Health Minister Simeon Brown welcomed the news.
“I am pleased for the approximately 35,000 nurses, healthcare assistants, and midwives employed by Health New Zealand who will benefit from this agreement. These dedicated frontline health workers play a vital role in delivering care across our hospitals and communities,” Brown said.
“Nurses, healthcare assistants, and midwives are at the centre of our healthcare system, supporting patients and their families in moments that matter most, often in challenging circumstances. I want to recognise and thank them for the skill, care, and professionalism they bring to their work every day, and for their commitment to putting patients at the centre of what they do.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand