Health Workers Plan Fourth Strike Over Pay Disputes in New Zealand

More than 11,500 health workers in New Zealand are set to strike for four hours on the afternoon of 28 November 2023. This decision comes as part of a broader campaign for better pay and working conditions. As well as the strike, workers will enforce a “work to rule” policy, which includes taking regular breaks and refraining from working unpaid overtime.

Fleur Fitzsimons, the national secretary of the Public Service Association (PSA), expressed frustration over the proposed pay increases of 1.5% and 2%. She stated that these offers do not keep pace with inflation, effectively resulting in pay cuts for health workers. “The pay offer still doesn’t keep pace with inflation. Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need,” she said. Fitzsimons emphasized that the health workers care deeply about their patients and are committed to ensuring that life-preserving services continue despite their grievances.

The strike is a continuation of the discontent expressed by Allied Health workers, who previously walked off the job in October. Fitzsimons noted that these workers, which include physiotherapists, social workers, scientists, and Māori health specialists, have been in negotiations with Health NZ and the government since June. Their ongoing frustration has led them to feel “fed up” with the lack of response to their concerns.

The health sector in New Zealand has been under increasing pressure, with many workers citing inadequate staffing levels as a significant barrier to delivering quality care. This situation has prompted health workers to take a stand, as they believe their demands are essential for both their well-being and the health of the communities they serve.

As the strike date approaches, the PSA has urged the government to reconsider its pay offers and address the underlying staffing issues that have plagued the health system. The response from Health NZ and the government regarding the upcoming strike and the broader concerns raised by the workers remains to be seen, but the situation highlights the ongoing challenges within the healthcare sector in New Zealand.