21 April 2005

PSA and WDHB to continue talking

The Public Service Association (PSA) and Waikato District Heath Board (WDHB) have agreed to continue mediation talks next week.

Both parties attended mediation yesterday seeking to reach an agreement to settle the WDHB clerical and administrative staff collective agreement.

PSA Organiser Linda Holt says that although a settlement was not reached yesterday, both parties have agreed to adjourn the talks and meet again next Tuesday (26 April 2005).

“Good progress was made in mediation yesterday.

“The PSA have agreed to withdraw the notices of industrial action for 26,27,28 April 2005.

“We will be meeting for further mediation next Tuesday. The extra time will allow the WDHB to do further some costings on a proposal put forward by the PSA.

“The PSA intends issuing new notices of industrial action in early May 2005 which will enable our members to take further strike action should the recommended settlement by the PSA negotiating team not be reached at next weeks mediation hearing.

“A round of paid stop work meetings is planned next week to report back on the outcome of mediation. Over 400 PSA Clerical and Administration members at the DHB will meet to discuss vote on any proposed settlement from the mediation hearing.

“The PSA are hopeful of reaching a settlement and apologise for any inconvenience caused to the public during recent industrial action. Industrial action is a last resort for our members, but they believe it is necessary to convey how strongly they support their campaign to achieve Fair Pay for all Health Workers,” Linda Holt said.

ENDS

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