The Canterbury/Waitaha members would still be taking part in the nation-wide strike on October 23, in the largest industrial actions in decades, along with other essential public service workers, including, teachers, doctors, principals, nurses, allied health workers, home support workers, school support staff, policy, knowledge, advisory and specialist workers, Ministry of Education field staff and support workers, and mental and public health nurses.
The NZNO members in the Canterbury action will literally be wearing their message on their sleeves — sharing their kōrero on clothing, flags, signs, badges and stickers; not complying with Health NZ rules, said Al Dietschin, an NZNO delegate and health-care worker at Christchurch Hospital.
It comes after a ballot in which more than 5000 members, working in the hospital and other Te Whatu Ora services in the Canterbury/Waitaha district, voted to take the action.
“This idea was initiated by delegates who work at Christchurch Hospital, after being inspired by what we saw unionised workers at St John and firefighters doing – wearing their messages about their struggles to work,” Dietschin said.
“Being able to wear our message to work, fly it on flags and posters allows us to continue highlighting our ongoing struggle about the need for safe staffing.
“It will keep our issues alive and in the eyes of the public.”
The Canterbury/Waitaha strike action will end on January 17, 2026 at one minute past midnight.