Unions urge Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira (Ora Toa Health) to find compassion this Christmas

Council of Trade Unions Secretary Sam Huggard says that he is appalled health workers at one of the highest-needs health providers in the country are being forced into industrial action again today and potentially on Christmas Eve because of the hard hearts of their employer.

Twenty-one doctors who are members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) are asking to include two dentists in their collective agreement with Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira (Ora Toa Health). The employer has said no without giving a reason.

"Taking an integrated approach to health care, including oral health, just makes sense - particularly in high-needs communities like Porirua and Newtown. These union members are in this work because they are passionate about looking after their patients, and they want the ability to negotiate with their employer as part of a team. They are valued by their patients and their communities, and they need to be listened to.

"Collective employment agreements are the best and most effective way for working people and management teams to achieve fair and sustainable outcomes and have good working relationships. It would be a terrible shame for these doctors and dentists to have to walk out on Christmas Eve to achieve such a basic right.

"Come on Ora Toa, show some heart this Christmas and sort it out."

ENDS

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