PSA members in the North Island have ratified new collective employment agreements, following months of bargaining.
“We are very pleased about the progress that has been made in bargaining for new MECAs (Multi-Employer Collective Agreements) for DHB admin and clerical workers, and welcome the long overdue pay rises for many of our lowest paid members,” says Kerry Davies, PSA national secretary.
“These settlements reflect the determination of admin clerical workers to get fair treatment and stand up for the importance of the work they do within DHBs.”
DHB admin and clerical workers across all 20 DHBs voted strongly in favour of industrial action during nationwide Stop Work meetings held in February 2019, however subsequent meetings brought an improved offer to the table averting any strike action.
“We are very happy with the settlement offers, and we recognize that this progress is the result of the Government listening to our members’ voices,” says Ms Davies.
“The Government’s commitment to addressing low pay was crucial in achieving this result, as admin and clerical workers in DHBs have always been among the lowest paid groups of workers.”
“The DHB’s have responded in line with the Government strategy around working with low paid workers, and the outcome will effect over 4,000 employees and their families in the Lower North Island and Auckland regions alone,”
“This settlement will make a substantial difference to a number of our members’ lives and living standards and it’s great to finally have some recognition of our DHB administration and clerical workers, who play an integral role at the frontline of service delivery at our hospitals.”
The settlement includes the equivalent of $2000 to each salary step every year for 3 years from the expiration of the MECA, as well as deletion of all salary steps below $41,750.
Bargaining is also currently underway for our clerical administration members in South Island and the Midland Region. We have been offered settlement of similar amounts for our members in these regions. Once settled this will affect over 3000 members and their families.
The PSA is also continuing to pursue progress for an equal pay claim that DHBs received in April 2018 and the PSA hopes to have resolution towards this by the end of the year.
Note: MECAs for administration and clerical workers have been offered in the Northern and Lower North Island regions, with two more – the Midlands MECA and South Island MECA – still in bargaining.
