More than 16,700 health workers in New Zealand are set to strike on November 28, 2023, in response to ongoing frustrations regarding staffing levels and pay. This significant action includes over 3,500 Mental Health Nurses and Assistants, 1,700 Policy, Advisory, Knowledge, and Specialist workers, and 11,500 Allied health professionals. The decision to strike follows unsuccessful negotiations with Te Whatu Ora and the New Zealand Government regarding fair compensation and safe staffing levels.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi announced the strike after a ballot on November 10 revealed overwhelming support for the action. The Mental Health Nurses and Assistants, along with Public Health Nurses, voted to strike for four hours from 1 PM to 5 PM. These workers provide critical support within the healthcare system, ensuring that services remain operational and effective.
According to Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association, the strike votes reflect the deep dissatisfaction health workers feel towards their employers. She stated, “Te Whatu Ora and the Government are not listening to the real concerns of these vital health workers or responding with realistic offers that would enable us to reach a settlement.” Fitzsimons emphasized that the current pay offers do not keep pace with inflation, effectively amounting to a pay cut for these essential workers.
The strike vote among the Policy, Advisory, Knowledge, and Specialist Workers collective followed a separate ballot that closed on November 7. This group includes professionals responsible for maintaining IT systems, ensuring data security, and providing necessary supplies and policy support. The combined efforts of these various health worker collectives signal a united front in their demands for fair treatment and adequate compensation.
The situation has escalated following a mediation meeting with Te Whatu Ora, which failed to produce satisfactory outcomes for the workers involved. Fitzsimons noted that health workers are reluctantly resorting to strike action, stating, “They care deeply about their patients and their work and will ensure life-preserving services continue. But they feel they have no choice when their concerns are not responded to.”
These health professionals are advocating not only for fair wages but also for the staffing levels necessary to provide adequate care to New Zealanders. Fitzsimons highlighted, “There are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need.” She reiterated the importance of addressing these issues to ensure the safety and well-being of patients across the country.
Looking ahead, further negotiations are scheduled, with the Mental Health Nurses and Assistants and Public Health Nurses set for mediation on November 14, while the PAKS collective will meet on November 25. The Public Service Association remains committed to reaching a settlement that addresses the critical needs of health workers.
As the situation develops, health workers continue to send a clear message to the government: they demand recognition, value, and action regarding the staffing crisis affecting patient care nationwide. The upcoming strike on November 28 is a pivotal moment in their ongoing struggle for fair treatment and adequate resources in the healthcare system.
