DHBs’ offer to go to radiographers

Karen Roach APEX, the union representing medical radiation technologists (MRTs), has agreed to lift industrial action while it takes the DHBs’ latest offer out to its members.

“Getting to this point has been a difficult journey. We are pleased that we are able to offer the radiographers an agreement that is affordable and is fair in comparison to agreements already reached with 90 percent of the health workforce,” says DHBs’ spokesperson Karen Roach.

“Patients and other health sector staff will be relieved that the strike action – which has been ongoing since July – is being lifted as from 3pm today.”

DHBs have been negotiating with APEX since August 2009, with the MRTs’ multi employer collective agreement (MECA) expiring in September. The term of the proposed agreement is two years through to 30 September 2011.

The DHBs’ offer includes:

an increase of one percent in the first year and a further 1.5 percent, 15 months into the term of the collective agreement
adjustments to on call rates and travel expenses
14 weeks of paid parental leave
an offer to work together to investigate the introduction of an 80 hour per fortnight roster for employees of Waitemata and Auckland DHBs.

DHBs will formally tender the offer to the union on Wednesday 17 November.

ENDS

Date: 16 November 2010

Contact:
Sharon Cuzens

04 381 5150 or 027 530 7042