More than 5,200 health workers in New Zealand have voted to strike on November 28, 2024, in a significant escalation of their demands for better pay and safe staffing levels. The group includes over 3,500 Mental Health Nurses and Assistants, as well as Public Health Nurses, alongside approximately 1,700 workers from the Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist (PAKS) collective. This decision follows unsuccessful mediation talks with Te Whatu Ora, the government agency responsible for health services.
The strike is intended to address the pressing issues of inadequate staffing and pay that do not keep pace with rising living costs. “The votes for strike action highlight the deep frustration health workers are feeling with Te Whatu Ora and the Government,” stated Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. She emphasized that the current offers do not respond adequately to the real concerns of these essential workers.
In a ballot that concluded on November 10, the Mental Health and Public Health Nurses voted overwhelmingly for a four-hour strike from 1 PM to 5 PM on the designated date. This decision came after a mediation session held the previous Friday, which failed to yield a satisfactory settlement. The PAKS collective, which includes critical support staff for IT, supply chains, and policy, also voted to strike, further swelling the number of health workers participating to approximately 16,700.
A previous vote on November 7 saw 11,500 Allied Health workers—including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers—also opt for strike action due to similar frustrations over pay and staffing levels. Fitzsimons remarked, “These health workers are reluctantly taking strike action. They care deeply about their patients and will ensure life-preserving services continue. But they feel they have no choice when their concerns are not addressed.”
The workers are particularly concerned that current pay offers do not reflect the realities of inflation, effectively amounting to a pay cut. Fitzsimons pointed out that the staffing shortages compromise the level of care that New Zealanders need, urging the Government to acknowledge and address these critical issues.
The Public Service Association remains committed to negotiating a settlement. Another mediation session for the Mental Health Nurses and Assistants, as well as Public Health Nurses, is scheduled for November 14, while the PAKS collective is set for discussions on November 25. Fitzsimons concluded by sending a strong message to the Government, highlighting the need for proper recognition and support for overworked health professionals: “Value us, listen to us, and address the staffing crisis that’s compromising patient care across the country.”
