NUPE Strike Aimed At CDHB Not Government

15 September 2005

NUPE Strike Aimed At CDHB Not Government

The Chairman of the Canterbury District Health Board Syd Bradley has said today that the strike by the union NUPE is not a government issue.

‘It is between the CDHB and NUPE and must stay there,’ he said.

‘The Health & Disability Act and legal requirements for all parties are very clear. The Board has set the parameters for management to get on with the task of achieving a settlement. This is a management matter to resolve.’

‘The Board has full confidence and supports the work and efforts of our Chief Executive and management team to settle the dispute in a safe and reasonable way within the normal constraints and expectations of both parties.’

‘It is very disappointing that the union has refused to come to the table and talk through the issues. The union has been advised on a daily basis that the Health Board will sit down and talk with them at any time.’

Mr Bradley said the 5-day strike by the union NUPE was now in its third day and to date there had been minimal disruption to the Canterbury District Health Board. This was due to the implementation of well constructed contingency plans and the positive response from staff.

About 400 staff are involved in the strike across a range of services within the CDHB, mainly affecting some parts of clinical, clerical and other support staff.

Mr Bradley, said the strike was aimed at the Canterbury District Health Board and was intended to disrupt services in the week ahead of the election on a matter which is not a political one to resolve.

‘They have only to give the word and my management team will be there,’ he said.

ENDS

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