Source: PSA
3,700 mental health workers continue strike action after Health NZ fails to table fresh offer
Health Minister Simeon Brown’s suggestion that the right to strike for health workers may need to be curbed by a law change represents yet another assault on the fundamental rights of working New Zealanders.
The Minister’s comment that ‘changes to the law may have to be considered for life services’ made in the lead-up to next week’s strike action is a deeply troubling threat to withdraw one of workers’ most basic protections, said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The central tenet of employment relations in New Zealand is that terms and conditions of employment are agreed, not imposed.
“The Government has already stripped away pay equity rights for 180,000 workers, introduced docking of pay for partial strikes, and allowed Defence Force military personnel to replace striking civilian workers.
“Now it’s threatening to remove the right to strike altogether for health workers. Where does it end?
“The right to withdraw labour is a fundamental protection for working people, without it, the power imbalance between employers and workers is dangerously skewed.
“Instead of threatening workers’ rights, the Government should focus on good faith bargaining and reaching fair agreements with health workers who are simply asking to be valued for the vital work they do, caring for New Zealanders.
“Agreement should remain the central focus of how employment relationships work in New Zealand. It would be a backwards step if the Government or the Courts could simply impose conditions on workers after industrial action.
“Health workers don’t take strike action lightly. They’re on the picket line because this Government refuses to negotiate in good faith or recognise the critical services they provide to New Zealanders every day.
“Just today PSA members who are mental health workers went back into bargaining, but Health NZ did not table a fresh offer leaving these 3,700 workers no choice but to continue strike action next Thursday.
“This is a problem of the Government’s own making reflecting the poor choices it has made to underfund the health system. All health workers deserve respect, fair pay, and the fundamental right to advocate for themselves and their patients.
“The PSA urges the Government to step back from this dangerous path and instead commit to genuine, good faith negotiations with health workers.”
