About 1,700 PSA health workers in Canterbury and South Canterbury have been preparing to strike on Friday, their second strike in four weeks.

The workers include Allied Health staff, mental health and public health nurses, healthcare assistants, and Policy, Advisory, Knowledge and Specialist workers. They are seeking a pay increase that reflects the cost of living and safe staffing to ensure patients receive quality care.

Public Service Association National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the action sends a clear message to the Government.

“These workers are standing up for the public health system that New Zealanders need and deserve.”

About 1,580 workers will strike in Christchurch and about 120 will strike in Timaru.

Rallies and pickets will run from 1pm to 2pm at:

Christchurch Hospital across the road from the hospital on Riccarton Avenue in South Hagley Park

Timaru Hospital outside Gardens Block on Queen Street

Life preserving service staffing levels have been agreed between the PSA and Health New Zealand for the duration of the strike.

Fitzsimons said mediation through the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment has not led to a settlement.

“Unfortunately, Health NZ and this Government still refuse to hear concerns about the state of our health system, we need to see a commitment to fill vacancies quickly and staff hospitals properly.”

“Health NZ’s offer would mean workers go backwards. The health system is currently being held together by these workers’ good will for their patients. It’s not sustainable, not fair on workers, and doesn’t serve patients well either.”

Christchurch Medical Laboratory Scientist Sue Lloyd said workers feel the Government is not responding to the concerns raised.

“We need to strike again. The Government isn’t listening to the workers or seeing the state of the health system. We’ve been to mediation but basically the offer hasn’t changed. As a workforce we’re tired and feeling undervalued.”