Settlement reached at Brackenridge Estate.

After eight months of negotiations and a two-day strike in January, a multi-union collective agreement (MUCA) has been achieved at Brackenridge Estate, an intellectual disability residential facility in Christchurch. The MUCA covers approximately 100 staff, who are represented by NZNO and the National Union of Public Employees. Brackenridge is owned by the Canterbury District Health Board and run by a trust. The settlement was reached last month and averted further strike action which had been planned. It includes: a five percent pay increase, effective from October 1, 2007; a further five percent increase, effective from April 1, this year; a working party during the term of the MUCA to consider rates of pay for sleep-overs, overtime and penal rates; and an undertaking that if the Ministry of Health funding freeze for the sector is lifted, the parties will consult with each other. The term of the MUCA is from October 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008.

It has been an intense campaign and the NZNO and NUPE members on the team were very committed, attending many meetings, including mediation. Such meetings were often in their own time. Members also took an organisational role and NZNO and NUPE extend a big thank you to them. All members at Brackenridge were also exceptional throughout this process, with great support for one another.

Last month, representatives from both NZNO and NUPE met ChristchurcMPs and Government Ministers, Ruth Dyson and Jim Anderton. It was an opportunity to further highlight concerns in this sector, including recruitment and retention and the long hours and extra shifts staff are working. The meeting was helpful with discussion around funding and carer qualifications. It was positive to be able to tell the Ministers directly that the sector needs to be a priority and to provide examples of our concerns.

Organisational review in Southland

Southland District Health Board (DHB) is undertaking a review of organisational vision and values in an effort to enhance its clinical governance framework. All staff were invited, via an email from interim chief executive Brian Rousseau, to be involved in determining the future vision and values for the DHB. This was via a survey that was available both online and attached to payslips. The survey began late last month and ran until April 11. There was also be a series of focus groups to seek more detailed feedback around creating a shared vision and values for the organisation.

Report by co-ordinating organiser Chris Wilson