Health Minister, Simeon Brown says today’s decision by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) union to walk away from bargaining and continue with strike action next week will leave more than 13,000 patients without the care they need.
“This is despite Health New Zealand tabling an updated offer during negotiations this week that would have cost the taxpayers more than $160 million over a 16-month term for around 5,500 senior doctors,” said the Minister.
“Based on the impacts of the last ASMS union strike, Health New Zealand estimates the upcoming 48-hour strike will postpone care for more than 13,000 patients, adding further pressure to those already waiting too long.”
The Government has calculated the number of procedures and appointments it says will be disrupted by the strike action:
- 1800 elective procedures such as hips, knees, and cataracts;
- 3600 first specialist assessments;
- 7000 follow-up appointments;
- 800 out-patient procedures.
“The decision to strike follows the union’s recent refusal to enter binding arbitration to resolve its ongoing dispute with Health New Zealand, despite more than a year of negotiations,” said Mr Brown.
“The ASMS union is putting politics ahead of patients, while Health New Zealand continues to engage in good faith.
“Senior doctors are among the most well-remunerated public servants, with many also working in private practice. At Health New Zealand, their average total remuneration, including overtime and allowances, is $343,500.”
He said they also receive “generous conditions” including six weeks’ annual leave, wo weeks’ paid leave each year for training and conferences, a fully paid three-month sabbatical every six years, and reimbursement for licences, college memberships, and insurance.
“Let’s be clear: this strike is a choice. It is a decision by some of the most well-paid public servants in New Zealand to walk away from patients and cancel care,” said Minister Brown.
