Source: Association of Salaried Medical Specialists
Senior doctors working at ACC will strike next week after their employer refused to offer personal grievance rights, protections for speaking up, and basic pay increases.
Following the passage of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill earlier this year, senior doctors would not have the rights to a fair dismissal process and be unable to file personal grievances for unjustified dismissal, unless otherwise agreed upon with the employer.
Equally, ACC has refused to include any specific rights to speak publicly on issues of patient safety – which is contrary to the recommendations of ACC’s own culture review.
Since 2018 the consumer price index increased more than 31 per cent but pay rates for senior doctors employed by ACC (medical advisors) have increased just 4.2 per cent.
In March ACC’s own board noted that comparisons show “ACC pay less compared to public sector organisations and crown entities”.
“Taken together, and in the context of ACCs ongoing problems with workplace culture and senior management turmoil, these refusals to staff show a disturbing lack of concern for their staff,” ASMS Industrial Officer Adam Craige says.
ASMS has been negotiating with ACC since 1 December 2025.
More than 50 ACC medical advisors will take part in three, half-day strikes:
- Monday 20 July from 8am – Midday
- Wednesday 29 July from 1pm – 5pm
- Friday 7 August from 8am – Midday.