DHBs back down after pay protest threat

December 1, 2021

Threats of NZNO member-led protests saw three district health boards (DHBs) back down from playing Christmas Grinch over pay increases.

David Wait
Industrial adviser David Wait

The action planned for the end of November came after Canterbury, West Coast and Waikato DHBs missed deadlines to pay wage increases negotiated in NZNO/DHB MECA bargaining.

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Until the protest action was threatened, the DHBs had not responded to NZNO requests for new timeframes after the six-week deadline had passed.

NZNO industrial adviser David Wait said he was pleased the DHBs agreed to pay before Christmas.

“This delay was just one more blow to our DHB members who, alongside all nursing staff in all nursing sectors, have proven their value and dedication over and over again on the frontline.”