26 Oct 2016

Junior doctors consider further strike action

4:41 pm on 26 October 2016

Junior doctors are being balloted about further strike action after talks broke down between doctors and their employers.

Junior doctors on strike outside Christchurch Hospital.

Junior doctors on strike outside Christchurch Hospital Photo: RNZ/ Maja Burry

Doctors and district health boards attended mediation talks in Auckland today in the deepening row over rosters.

The Resident Doctors Association said the talks did not go well.

The national secretary, Deborah Powell, said doctors tabled an alternative proposal on the rosters issue.

She said this was not discussed and instead DHBs said they would table an offer next week.

Dr Powell said that was unacceptable and DHBs were trying to remove penal rates, which would amount to a pay cut of at least $20,000 a year.

Junior doctors went on strike nationwide for 48 hours last Tuesday and Wednesday, and Dr Powell said they were considering a further 48-hour strike.

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