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\nFile photo.
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Peter de Graaf\n<\/p>\n
More than 3500 health workers have voted to ratify a new collective agreement with Health New Zealand after a drawn out 18-month bargaining process.<\/p>\n
Mental health nurses and assistants are included in the agreement, which will give them a 2.5 percent pay rise and an $800 lump sum payment each.<\/p>\n
The agreement was reached after 18 months of bargaining between the Health New Zealand and the Public Service Association.<\/p>\n
Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said it was a step in the right direction for their workers, but more funding was needed to address problems in the health system.<\/p>\n
Health New Zealand’s initial offers were far too low and it took strike action to get a fair offer, Fitzsimons said.<\/p>\n
More funding was needed to fix deeper problems in the health system, she said.<\/p>\n
“All political parties must commit to a properly funded public health system that ensures safe staffing levels, and delivers quality are for all New Zealanders.”<\/p>\n
The collective agreement covering 12,000 allied health workers was also ratified last Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Voting will soon be held on a third health agreement for policy, advisory, knowledge and specialist workers.<\/p>\n
Health NZ welcomed the vote. Robyn Shearer, an executive national director, said the agreement also included a boost to the professional development allowance for Nurse Practitioners, and a commitment to the recruitment of over 550 new positions in this financial year.<\/p>\n
“The resolution of these negotiations has included important undertakings to work with the PSA on key issues, such as recruitment, retention, and health and safety.”<\/p>\n
Nurses would receive a 2.5 percent salary increase in year one and a 2 percent increase in year two over a term of 24 months. As well as the lump sum payment of $800, there was a $2000 flat rate increase on the top step for Enrolled Nurses, Shearer said in a statement.<\/p>\n