Talks called to avert hospitals, homes action

Press, 30 November 1987, Page 8

Talks called to avert hospitals, homes action

A special meeting in Wellington today will attempt to avert industrial action in hospitals and rest homes.

The talks, between hospital and rest home employers, the Federation of Labour, and the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, have been called by the Arbitration Commission’s chief commissioner, Mr lan Mac Kay. The Employers’ Federation’s director of advo-

cacy, Mr Steve Marshall, said last evening that the aim of the talks was to hear the commission’s views on the parties’ positions. “Nobody likes health sector strike action and discussion is the best way to resolve the situation,” he said. It is hoped a proposal from the talks will avert a 48-hour stoppage by private and public hospital and rest home

workers from midnight on Wednesday. About 1500 members of the Canterbury Hotel and Hospital Workers’ Union are poised to walk off the job and Ms Lianne Dalziel, Canterbury union secretary, said last evening the strike was still going ahead. The future of the national and Canterbury actions hinges on whether compromise can be

reached in the Wellington talks.

Mr Marshall said the chief commissioner could not direct the parties toward any procedure but could consult the F.O.L. and the employers federation.

As a last resort, Mr Mac Kay can reject the union’s application to the commission altogether. Attempts at negotiation would then have to begun again.