Radiographers plan further strike action

DHB employed Medical Imaging Technologists will be taking further strike action this week.

According to a statement released by APEX, MITs voted down the latest offer put to them in settlement of their national collective agreement.

The DHB's revised offer made some small concessions in areas of concern to the MIT's, but it also included a massive reduction in backpay, compared to all of the DHB's previous offers to the MITs, says APEX.

National secretary of APEX Dr Deborah Powell says the DHB's latest offer was a case of the DHB's ‘effectively seeking to punish the MITs for the DHB's own inefficiencies in bargaining'.

'Until now, the DBH's saving grace was that they assured us there would be full backdating to February of any increases to pay. They have no reneged on that commitment and have only offered a $1600 lump sum which, for many if not most MITs, is worth thousands less than the full value of backpay.

'Bargaining has dragged on for over 10 months due to the DHB's incredibly frustrating and inefficient approach. They have taken multiple adjournments, including one for 14 weeks, and continue to meet with us unable to reach any agreement without adjourning for further weeks of consultation.

'Unfortunately, the MITs have received the removal of backpay as a fundamental betrayal by their employers. This is the main reason, though not the only reason, why their offer was soundly rejected.”

APEX has invited the DHBs back to the bargaining table this week to try and find a solution to the bargaining.

MITs are essential to radiology services, assisting with the diagnosis and treatment of patients using general x-rays, CT, MRI, mammography, angiography, and nuclear medicine.

Negotiations for the MIT national MECA have now been ongoing for over 10 months.

SunLive has contacted Bay of Plenty District Health Board for comment.

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.