$45k Pay Rise on Offer for Senior Doctors

31 July Media

$45k Pay Rise on Offer for Senior Doctors

District Health Boards say their offer to the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) is appropriately competitive and reflects the vital contribution of senior doctors to the NZ healthcare workforce.

"The importance of senior doctors to the running of our hospitals has always been acknowledged. What's essential is that they are paid fairly for that role and we believe that is reflected in their current terms and conditions and in our offer to improve them," says DHB lead negotiator Dr Nigel Murray (refer to attached fact sheet).

"Our offer would see a typical senior doctor's total earnings move from $190,500 to $235,860. When you include training and reimbursement costs, this is a total average package of $243,060."

Dr Murray says comments made this morning by Ian Powell on Radio New Zealand that the DHBs have used 'creative accounting' to formulate their offer are concerning.

"If the union is so worried about 'creative accounting' of their claim and our offer, then why don't they take up our suggestion of an independent costing analysis by a third party? We repeatedly made this suggestion across the table, but the union continued to reject it.

"DHBs stand by our offer. Earnings will rise by 20% over four years, which we believe is fair and appropriately competitive.

"On top of this, senior doctors receive desirable terms and conditions and time is also made available for senior doctors to undertake non-clinical activities, attend conferences and take medical education leave - which we recognise as important for keeping clinical skills and education current."

Dr Murray says that if the union really wanted to find a settlement to the dispute, then they should re-consider the DHBs' proposal for final offer arbitration.

“Final offer arbitration lets both parties put their position to an independent panel to assess what is fair and reasonable. This will allow us to reach a settlement once and for all."

ENDS

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