SDHB And PSA/NZNO Talks Fail - Mediation Last Chance To Avert Action

Further talks between the PSA, the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), and the Southland District Health Board (SDHB) for the Professional, Technical and Related collective employment agreement (the PTR) broke down when negotiations resumed on August 21, PSA organiser Mark Ryan said today.

"We were unable to reach agreement on a number of important claims including pay and some conditions. As a consequence the talks broke down and the SDHB were advised that the union would be looking at implementing industrial stoppages which will have a major impact on health services in Southland. However, we have agreed to enter into mediation on September 2.”

"Members do not want to go down the road of closing services, however there comes a time when they can no longer be held hostage on the basis of inadequate funding to the SDHB. Settlements for Southland PTR members have historically been low, and less than other areas in the country. The allied health professionals that we represent are no less important to the health services delivered by the hospital than are other health professionals."

Mark Ryan said negotiations commenced in early June between the PSA, NZNO, and the SDHB.

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