Frustrated Canterbury District Health Board nurses say they’ve had enough of the silent treatment from their employer over agreed pay.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation members, who work at DHBs across New Zealand, agreed to a pay increase and a back payment of pay equity on the 15th of October.

DHBs said that this would occur within 4 to 6 weeks after that date.

In an email sent to nurses on Friday, New Zealand Nurses Organisation Industrial Adviser for the DHB sector, David Wait, said “after our communication to DHB chief executives on Wednesday, a number of DHBs provided payment dates and confirmation that they will meet the expectation set by the Minister of Health that payments be made before Christmas.”

“However, Canterbury DHB and West Coast DHB have not responded to the letter, nor have they confirmed that they expect to make payments prior to Christmas.”

“It is disappointing that the chief executives of these DHBs have chosen not to respond within the requested timeframe.”

“We are now considering our next steps up to and including enforcement action through the Employment Relations Authority.”

One nurse told Chris Lynch “many of us work on the frontline and have played a vital role through the pandemic, it’s a kick in the guts to all the nurses who work so hard day in day out from the DHBs.”

Another nurse said “NZNO members agreed to call off strikes after DHBs promised safer staffing ratios, a base rate increase, a lump sum instead of back pay and a portion of what is owed to nurses for pay equity. Unfortunately, nurses agreed to the conditions in good faith but good faith has once again let down the nurses.”

“Many DHBS, including CDHB are refusing to even respond to correspondence from NZNO asking why the overdue money.”

“Staffing and conditions are worse than ever, nurses are sacrificing their health and family life to try and fill the gaps for DHBS and keep patients safe.”

“Once again nurses have been let down by DHBs arrogance and disrespect towards their employees. Treasury says they have the money set aside for DHBs but won’t release it until DHBs invoice them, which they are refusing to do.”

Chris Lynch approached the Canterbury District Health Board for comment on Friday afternoon but was told no one was available until Monday.