Despite the current challenging environment, progress has been made with our collective employment (CA) claims, and we are optimistic that we will have a formal, hopefully viable offer to report to members sooner rather than later.  

We have an agreement in principle on a range of matters and anticipate signing a terms of settlement later this month.

Before and after the formal bargaining rounds we have also been meeting and engaging with the Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ advocates and senior managers on the CA claims, as well as other related issues. 

In the formal rounds Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ bargaining team comprises their two lead industrial relations specialists/co-advocates, the national chief nurse, and a senior HR manager from Waikato. 

Our team comprises Nurses Society director David Wills, supported by three member representatives - two clinical nurse specialists from Waikato, plus a clinical nurse educator and resource nurse from Te Toka Tumai. 

Unfortunately one of the constraints on achieving the best possible outcome at present is the directive by government via the State Services Commission that CA settlements cannot be backdated to the expiry date of previous agreements. 

Likewise, there cannot be de facto backdating by way of a significant lump sum payment.  This means the effective date for any increases will likely be the month that terms of settlement are signed.

Details and updates are also being emailed to members working for Te Whatu Ora | Health NZ.