Thousands of Health Workers Set to Strike on November 28

The Public Service Association (PSA) has announced that over 5,200 health workers in New Zealand will participate in a strike on November 28. This includes more than 3,500 mental health nurses and assistants, along with public health nurses, and 1,700 policy, advisory, knowledge, and specialist workers (PAKS). The decision follows the failure of mediation efforts aimed at addressing critical issues such as staffing levels and compensation that aligns with the rising cost of living.

According to Fleur Fitzsimons, national secretary for the PSA, the strike is a necessary response to ongoing concerns. “These health workers are reluctantly taking strike action. They care deeply about their patients and their work and will ensure life-preserving services continue. But they feel they have no choice when their concerns are not responded to,” she stated.

The PSA highlighted that the current pay offers for the three collectives represent a significant shortfall, failing to keep pace with inflation and effectively amounting to a pay cut. Furthermore, Fitzsimons emphasized that the shortage of health workers is compromising the level of care available to New Zealanders. “There are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need,” she said.

The upcoming strike will see these health workers join approximately 11,500 allied health workers, including physiotherapists, social workers, and technicians, who have also voted to strike on the same day. This collective action underscores the urgent need for the government to address staffing and pay issues within the health sector.

Prior to the strike, further mediation sessions are scheduled, with mental health nurses and assistants set to meet on November 14, followed by the PAKS collective on November 25. The outcome of these discussions remains to be seen, but the growing discontent among health professionals indicates that significant changes are necessary to restore morale and improve working conditions.

As the situation develops, the PSA continues to advocate for fair treatment of health workers, stressing that the well-being of both employees and patients relies on adequate staffing and appropriate compensation.