Health Minister Simeon Brown launched a strong attack at the senior doctors’ annual conference, accusing them of “crossing an ethical line” with strike action that was causing harm to patients.
In his address to the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, he urged doctors to end their strike and prioritise patients over politics.
Audible expressions of disbelief arose when he stated that although the action was their legal right, it had “crossed an ethical line.”
Brown said strikes had led to the cancellation or postponement of thousands of procedures, with further delays expected next week.
Laughter broke out in the room when he revealed that Health NZ had informed him the average salary for a senior doctor was $325,000, and the employer’s offer amounted to a $160 million pay increase.
“No-one disputes that doctors need to be recognised for the job you do, but New Zealanders also deserve a health system that works for them,” Brown said.
He stated that patients were bearing the burden of the strike and accused the union of abandoning the negotiations.
“Patients should never be collateral damage in disputes between management and unions.”
Last month, six thousand senior hospital doctors and dentists commenced a 48-hour strike, intensifying the ongoing pay dispute with Health New Zealand.
A strike is scheduled for later this month, with senior doctors set to participate.
The strike has been termed a ‘mega strike’ and is shaping up to be the largest in decades, involving an estimated 100,000 workers across New Zealand. This vast industrial action includes nurses, dentists, healthcare workers, and teachers, all united in demands for safe staffing levels, better pay, improved working conditions, and greater respect and recognition.
Members of the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists voted overwhelmingly, with 83% in favour, to hold a four-hour strike on Thursday, October 23, starting at 11am.
The union stated that its officials have requested bargaining twice this month, but both requests were declined by Health NZ.