NZRDA Resident Doctors sign letter to Minister of Health

More than 1600 resident doctors have written an open letter to the minister of health, David Clark. The letter, sent on January 31, outlines their position in the dispute with the DHBs and calls on the minister to support them in achieving a fair deal.

The letter remains open, and RMOs continue to add their signatures. Resident Doctors await a response from Dr Clark.

Read the letter below:

Hon. Dr David Clark
Minister of Health
By Email: d.clark@ministers.govt.nz

Thursday 31 January 2019

Dear Minister,

We are writing to you to express our feelings regarding the industrial dispute between the DHBs and ourselves.

We are saddened and angered by the clawbacks that have been put to us by the DHBs in order to settle our collective agreement.

All we are asking for is to retain our existing agreement and receive a salary increase in line with other health sector pay increases. However, at every turn we are met with an unwillingness from the DHBs to move from their fixed position to claw back hard fought - and for us essential - protections.

To be absolutely clear, we do not agree to the removal of our union’s agreement from clauses which protect us, and we will not agree to lesser terms and conditions which may see us working unsafely.

You spoke impressively and persuasively at the NZRDA Health & Wellbeing conference in November last year about your commitment to the health & wellbeing of resident doctors. We can assure you that we share this commitment for both ourselves and those who we care for. Because of this, we will not be pressured into sacrificing provisions that safeguard how we work and the standard of care which we deliver.

We ask for your support in helping us achieve a fair deal.

Yours sincerely,

The undersigned Resident Doctors of New Zealand