DHB MECA mediation talks start tomorrow

Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants have received significant public support prior to attending mediation with employers tomorrow in the unresolved negotiations for their DHB MECA (multi-employer collective agreement).

Negotiations have been ongoing since July 2017 but have not been able to reach agreement that value the nursing & midwifery workforce as well as providing sufficient assurance that urgent action be taken to address unsafe staffing.

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation launched a petition in support of its members at www.together.org.nz/iheartnurses and is asking the public to sign it. So far over 13,500 people have signed.

“Nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants are the heart of our public healthcare services.” said NZNO Industrial Adviser Lesley Harry.

“We know that the public will want to support them as we go into mediation to try and achieve a resolution.”