Fair Play for Nurses and Midwives
It's here - the NZNO DHB MECA 2007-2010!
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You may remember that the last time nurses and midwives were in negotiations with the DHBs, we were asking for Fair Pay – pay rates that recognise the skills, knowledge, education and responsibilities required to deliver high quality care to New Zealanders. We achieved a settlement that finally delivered on that goal.
In 2007 we sought FAIR PLAY for Nurses and Midwives. |
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Background
n 2007, Nurses and Midwives want FAIR PLAY at work. We want to maintain what we gained through the last settlement but our focus is on fairness at work and the issues that face a mainly female workforce.
Nurses Kick Off Fair Play Campaign, 8 March 2007 - NZNO Media Release
Problem Solving
Traditionally, when employers and employees negotiate their agreement, each side takes a position and negotiates from there, taking a hard line on some clauses and moving on others. This can be confrontational and often leads very quickly to negotiations breaking down.
In these negotiations, the union – the New Zealand Nurses Organisation – and the employers’ representatives have agreed to an issues or interests based, problem solving approach. The two groups identify issues they have in common and that they want to resolve and work together to find solutions. The solutions need to be acceptable to both groups, just as in traditional negotiations, but the aim is to reach consensus.
The Issues
Pay: Maintaining the previous gain relative to inflation and other professions.
Superannuation: Employer contributions to incentivise long term personal savings.
Consistent Conditions: Implementing the employment agreement equitably no matter which District Health Board the nurse or midwife works for.
Fairness at Work: Removing barriers that prevent people for having equitable opportunities and treatment in employment.
Work / Life Balance: Exploring better and more flexible working arrangements as well as family friendly policies.
Your Support
We know that you rely on nurses and midwives to be well trained, skilled, caring, healthy and available – and that’s what the FAIR PLAY campaign is all about. Keep your eyes and ears open for chances to supportpublic hospital nurses and midwives get a settlement that guarantees high quality healthcare for all kiwis now and in the future.
- Have you got a bumper sticker on your car? If not, has your delegate or organiser got any sitting on their desk? Bumper stickers do nothing when left under piles of paper!
- Have you got a badge? Wear it on your uniform to help patients and their families become aware of our campaign.
- Have you got a T-shirt? The most simple way to get our message out is wearing the shirt. There’s plenty to go around!
- Talk to your friends and family. Use the pocket guides to help you make sure you are clear about what we are trying to achieve. Remember that Fair Play is at the centre of everything!
DHB MECA 2006
In March 2005 NZNO members in DHBs ratified a national NZNO DHB MECA agreement. Although the expiry date of the agreement, December 2006, has now passed the terms remain valid until renegotiated.
Public Sector Nurses Initiate Bargaining for New MECA
NZNO Media Release, 6 November 2006
National MECA Claims Bulletin: Matters for Endorsement (pdf)
National DHB Endorsement Meetings were held in late 2006.
Scroll down for:
MECA Updates (PDFs)
NZNO Scoping News
District Health Boards/ NZNO Multi-Employer Nursing/ Midwifery Collective Agreement
DHB Fair Pay Campaign
Link to the archived pages of the Fair Pay campaign |

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Safe Staffing Committee of Inquiry
Department of Labour Resources
Work Life Balance and Quality Flexible Work Project
http://www.dol.govt.nz/worklife
Pay and Employment Equity Unit
http://www.dol.govt.nz/services/PayAndEmploymentEquity