Concern at fee increase.

The national committee of the NZNO Gerontology Section is concerned about this month's NZNO membership fee increase. This was not discussed at last year's NZNO conference. We wonder if this increase was tabled and discussed with members and their representatives whether it would have gone through.

It is common knowledge that wages in aged care are well below those paid in district health boards, with many nurses and health care assistants working part-time. Some of these workers have not had a wage increase for many years.

NZNO has more than adequate funds in the bank to cover any deficit, but surely ten million dollars is more than enough. At a time when we all have to tighten our belts, why should the board of directors agree to a four percent increase in membership fees?

Sarah-Jane Walters-Puttick, chair, gerontology section national committee