No strike-breakers for New Zealand

Date: 19 November 2002

The Health Services Union of Australia has condemned attempts by health authorities in New Zealand to recruit Australian radiographers to work as strike-breakers.

In a bid to alleviate the impact of a two day strike by underpaid local radiographers on November 27 and 28 the Auckland District Health Board has advertised in Australian newspapers offering free flights and accommodation for radiographers willing to fly over.
HSUA national secretary Craig Thomson said it was appalling that the health board should choose to try and recruit Australians rather than sit down and negotiate with the local radiographers' union, APEX.
''The hypocrisy in this situation is obvious when you see that the health board is offering a two per cent pay rise to local radiographers but is prepared to pay $43.84 an hour plus accommodation and flights to Australians who sign up as strike-breakers,'' he said.
''All members of HSUA who work as radiographers around the country are being warned that this attempt to recruit scabs is underway.''
''We won't be supplying staff to try and ease this dispute which will only be settled through sensible negotiation.
''The HSUA intends to also contact the New Zealand Health Minister Annette King to demand and end to this attempt to recruit strike-breakers.
''We have also contacted APEX in New Zealand to offer our full support in their campaign to win a decent pay rise. There are shortages of radiographers around the world and health authorities have to realise that to keep these health professionals they need to pay them a decent wage.''

For further information

Contact:	Mark Robinson
Union:	Health Services Union of Australia
Phone:	039 341 3330
Contact Mobile:	0439 411774

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