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Months of industrial action lead to workers’ suspensionMonths of ongoing industrial action have led to district health boards’ decision to start suspending medical laboratory workers in some centres. The type of industrial action being taken by the union meant patient care was likely to start being compromised, says DHB spokesperson Phil Cammish. Laboratory workers were also being paid while not performing their full duties – and were relying on their colleagues to carry them. “This decision has not been made lightly. Suspending workers allows DHBs to put in place an appropriate emergency response to a strike, rather than relying on other employees to cover the work.” Laboratory workers have rejected a pay offer similar to that already accepted by over 75 percent of health sector employees. “In addition to a 2% pay rise, DHBs have offered an increase in annual leave, long service leave, on call allowance rates and paid parental leave,” says Phil Cammish. Laboratory workers have done well out of settlements in recent years, receiving lump sum payments of $1800 for scientists and $1200 for technicians, and pay rises of 4 percent from May 2007, 4 percent from June 2008, and a minimum increase of 2 percent from June 2009. Restructuring of the scientist and technician scales from 30 June 2009 meant many staff also received additional increases above these percentage rises. “Wage growth in this sector has outstripped measures of inflation and wage growth across the economy in the past decade,” says Phil Cammish. “The medical laboratory workforce is relatively stable, with few vacancies and those that do occur attracting good quality candidates. “The union seems to be ignoring these issues and the financial situation of DHBs, and is seeking a higher financial settlement than others in the sector. This union has a history of taking strike action and DHBs hope that suspension will get the message across loud and clearly that patient safety comes first.” ENDS |