New Zealand Healthcare System to Go on 24-Hour Strike Starting Wednesday, Over 36,000 Workers Participate
New Zealand Healthcare System to Go on 24-Hour Strike Starting Wednesday
On Wednesday, July 30, New Zealand’s healthcare system will face a nationwide 24-hour strike involving over 36,000 healthcare workers, including nurses, midwives, and care assistants. This action is a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the New Zealand health sector and the country’s largest nursing union. The strike will begin at 9:00 AM on Wednesday and end at 9:00 AM on Thursday, affecting all hospitals and care facilities under the New Zealand Health Authority (Health NZ).
Key Points of the Strike
- The strike is a nationwide action, impacting all Health NZ hospitals and care facilities.
- Intensive Care Services will remain unaffected.
- Over 4,300 surgeries and specialist appointments are expected to be postponed.
Background and Negotiations
Despite final negotiations on Monday between Health NZ and the Nurses Organisation, no agreement was reached on unresolved issues. The union remains deeply frustrated with the government’s refusal to acknowledge the long-standing staffing shortages in the healthcare sector. Nurses and midwives have raised concerns that these shortages are putting patients at risk and are severely affecting the capacity of hospitals to deliver timely care.
Union Perspectives
Paul Goutler, CEO of the Nurses Organisation, expressed frustration, stating that the healthcare system has been in crisis for months. He highlighted that the lack of adequate staffing has led to longer waiting times, increased patient suffering, and even instances where family members had to assist in patient care, as seen in Christchurch.
Anne Daniels, a nurse from Dunedin with over 45 years of experience, described the current state of the public healthcare system as the worst she has ever seen. She noted that many nurses are leaving the profession due to poor working conditions and low pay, which are not keeping up with the demands of the job.
Health NZ’s Response
Health NZ expressed disappointment over the strike and stated that they had offered a “genuine and meaningful” pay package during negotiations. The authority emphasized its commitment to maintaining safe staffing levels and providing a reasonable pay increase, even within the constraints of current funding.
According to Health NZ, new graduate nurses will receive a starting salary of $75,773, with an 11% increase to $83,373 by June 30, 2026. Senior registered nurses will see their base salary rise from $106,739 to $109,963 over the same period. Including overtime and allowances, the average annual income for senior and registered nurses is $125,662.
Impact on Patients
Health NZ assured patients that emergency departments will continue to provide care for urgent cases, and inpatient care will remain safe. Patients with scheduled appointments are advised to attend unless notified otherwise. Those with non-urgent conditions are encouraged to consult their general practitioner before visiting a hospital.
Public Reaction and Concerns
While the strike is a difficult decision for healthcare workers, many are now taking a stand for better working conditions and fair pay. The situation highlights the deepening divide between healthcare workers and the government, with the latter refusing to acknowledge the severity of the staffing crisis.
As the strike begins, the nation watches closely, aware that the health of both patients and healthcare workers is at stake. The outcome of this action may have lasting implications for the future of New Zealand’s healthcare system.
