NZNO industrial adviser Danielle Davies said most members did not vote on the basis of their individual gain, but rather in support of a more even playing field for members in non-nursing roles and those on lower salary steps.
“This overwhelming solidarity is something to be proud of and sets us in a position of strength when we come to renegotiations early next year,” Davies said.
Key features of the deal include:
- A five per cent increase on the respective district health board (DHB) rates for anaesthetic technicians and central sterile services department (CSSD) staff, (bringing them into line with nursing members).
- Automatic annual salary scale progression, as with other NZNO collective agreements.
- A living wage, meaning all CA rates will be at $22.10 or above.
- A 50 per cent increase to the on-call allowance.
- A new salary step (six) for CSSD members.
- A two per cent pay increase on all CSSD steps from April 1, 2021.
- A two per cent increase on all anaesthetic technician steps from April 1, 2021.
- A 12-month term.
Davies said delegates were proud of their achievement and looked forward to signing a new collective agreement soon. There are 230 NZNO members at the hospital, which has 12 operating theatres and a six-bed intensive care unit.