Media Release

5 November 2009

DHBs have plans in place

South Island District Health Boards have contingency plans in place to deal with a work-to-rule planned by clerical and administrative staff.

“District Health Boards are currently negotiating the multi-employer collective agreement (MECA) covering these staff,” says Chris Fleming, spokesperson for the six District Health Boards (DHBs) participating in the negotiations.

“The reality for DHBs is that we’re operating in very tight fiscal conditions and the priority is to provide the best possible health care to the communities we serve. We need our health staff to work with us to achieve this, so it’s disappointing that this group of employees has decided to express their views in this way.”

Chris Fleming says DHB clerical jobs have a low staff turnover. “These workers are regarded as having good job security, and DHBs are seen as an attractive employer. DHBs pay clerical staff at rates that attract good fields of suitably qualified applicants when positions are advertised.”

Six DHBs are parties to the MECA: Nelson-Marlborough, Canterbury, South Canterbury, West Coast, Otago, and Southland. Staff covered by the MECA (Multi-Employer Collective Agreement) performance a wide variety of clerical and administrative tasks, including reception, clinical coding and medical paperwork.

ENDS

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