More than 100 physiotherapists who are members of the APEX union, based out of Tauranga, Waikato and Whakatāne Hospitals, and other community services, have begun a month-long strike in support of a better pay offer from their employer, Te Whatu Ora.

“Currently these physiotherapists and assistants are paid up to $5700p/a less than their colleagues working alongside them for no good reason,” says APEX Advocate Abbey Trewavas.

“They are doing the same, highly skilled work that is keeping our country moving, yet Te Whatu Ora’s offer would not see pay parity achieved until 2024, in effect leaving them behind forever."

The partial strike, which started on Friday, consists of a range of actions which will reduce or impede access to physiotherapy services across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty areas, severely impacting Te Whatu Ora’s already stretched out wait-lists.

Physiotherapists who are members of the APEX union, based out of Tauranga and Whakatāne Hospitals, have issued strike notices for periods of approximately one month for Tauranga,  and three weeks for Whakatāne.

The strike period for Tauranga Hospital runs from 7.30am Friday, August 18, to 7.30am Monday, September 18.

The strike period for Whakatāne Hospital runs from 7.30am Saturday, August 26, to 7.30am Monday, September 18.

“Our members don’t want to be doing this, however in order to gain the increases necessary to recruit and retain staff, they feel they have no choice but to take sustained strike action for a fairer deal,” says Abbey.

“Our member’s claims for better wages and conditions are not unreasonable. Te Whatu Ora refusal around pay parity and a pay rise is unreasonable," says an APEX delegate spokesperson.

Following mediation last week, APEX are awaiting on a revised offer from Te Whatu Ora.

Te Whatu Ora in Hauora a Toi Bay of Plenty Associate Director of Allied Health Judi Riddell says Te Whatu Ora respects the right of APEX physiotherapy staff to take industrial action, “and has worked hard to put plans in place which minimise the impact and reduce any clinical risk for our patients during this action”.

“It is important to note that physiotherapy services are still available at both locations throughout,” says Judi.

“The intended strike action is for a restriction of work processes and not a full withdrawal of labour.

“The largest impact is anticipated to be on group classes, and regrettably several will need to be postponed.”

Judi says the postponed group classes are: Balance, Post-Operation, Back, Hydrotherapy, Women’s Health, Adolescent Group, Pre-Operation Hip and Knee, and Workout Warriors.

“Group classes will be restarted as soon as possible after the strike action finishes.

“If patients have any concerns, they are asked to call either of the numbers below to talk to a physiotherapist. They can discuss your care and/or schedule an appointment with you.”

Tauranga Physiotherapy Reception: (07) 579 8441

Whakatāne Physiotherapy Reception: (07) 306 0824