Christchurch allied, public health, scientific and technical DHB workers will protest on Good Friday over stalled negotiations with their DHB employers.

18 months of negotiations with the DHBs, including three days of bargaining facilitated by the Employment Relations Authority have failed to reach a settlement.

In a statement, the PSA said these workers, some of whom are paid the minimum wage, are struggling to stay afloat due to the skyrocketing cost of living.

“Many already work second jobs to support themselves and their families, while others are responding to active recruitment efforts from Australia, where they can earn tens of thousands of dollars more.”

Those who stay will be faced with rapidly growing workloads and vacancies, leading to stress, exhaustion and burnout.

The Minister of Health, Andrew Little can prevent all of this by providing a new mandate for the DHBs to settle a fair pay offer – but his window to do so, and avoid strike action is rapidly closing.

What: Picket and protest

Where: Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch

When: Midday – 2pm, Friday 14 April (Good Friday)