Campaigning for Pay Parity.

The Pay Parity for Primary Health Campaign is continuing to gain momentum. Members will now have voted on the negotiating team--those people who will represent members during negotiations for the multi-employer collective agreement (MECA). Members will also be voting on how an offer from the employer will be ratified, and most importantly the claims for pay parity.

It is really important NZNO members working outside primary health get involved in the campaign. The district health board (DHB) campaign was successful due to members across sectors getting involved and making sure the fair pay message was heard. Pay Parity for Primary Health needs similar support. By July 2006, most full-time PHC nurses will earn around $160 per week less than DHB nurses for a 40-hour week.

Copies of the pay parity petition can be downloaded from www.nzno.org.nz (click on the primary party icon) or get in touch with your local NZNO office. The Government needs to hear loud and clear that additional funding is essential in order for pay parity to be achieved. Send completed petitions to your local NZNO office. If you would like to order bumper stickers and/or t-shirts, email [e-mail]. The first set of negotiations for a primary health care MECA is expected to be held later this month or early next month.

Primary health sector group report by Huia Welton