Collective Agreement for Nurses in New Zealand
The nursing profession is a vital part of the healthcare system in New Zealand. A collective agreement is a contract between employers and employees that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for a group of employees. In New Zealand, the collective agreement for nurses is negotiated by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO).
The latest collective agreement for nurses in New Zealand was signed in August 2020. This agreement covers around 30,000 nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants employed in the public sector. It includes pay increases, improved sick leave provisions, and increased minimum staffing levels.
Pay Increases
The collective agreement includes a pay increase of 3% for nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants. This pay increase comes into effect on August 1, 2020, and will be followed by a further 1.5% pay increase in August 2021. This pay increase is part of a three-year agreement that runs until August 2021.
Sick Leave Provisions
The collective agreement also includes improved sick leave provisions. Nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants will now be entitled to 10 days of sick leave per year. This is an increase from the previous entitlement of 8 days per year. This change is significant as it acknowledges the demanding nature of the nursing profession and the need for adequate rest and recovery time.
Minimum Staffing Levels
The collective agreement also includes minimum staffing levels for the nursing profession. This is an important provision as staffing levels impact patient care and safety. The agreement requires DHBs (District Health Boards) to implement safe staffing levels in all clinical areas. This means that there will be sufficient staffing levels to ensure that patient care is not compromised.
In conclusion, the collective agreement for nurses in New Zealand is an important document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for a significant portion of the healthcare workforce. It provides pay increases, improved sick leave provisions, and minimum staffing levels. This agreement acknowledges the importance of the nursing profession and the vital role that nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants play in the healthcare system in New Zealand.