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The Council of Trade Unions has ridiculed Canterbury District Health Board's call for outlawing of health workers' right to strike.
The call was made as 260 radiographers from seven district health boards began a 10-day strike on Friday in support of pay parity with their colleagues at other health boards around the country.
The affected DHBs are Canterbury, Bay of Plenty, Otago, Southland, Tairawhiti, Lakes and Hutt Valley.
CTU president Ross Wilson today described Canterbury's move as "childish and grandstanding".
"The right to strike is a human right guaranteed by international law," he said.
"Canterbury DHB's call...implies that the breakdown of negotiations is always the fault of health workers rather than the employer.
"What they are really seeking is to give health sector employers a significant advantage in bargaining.
"Their decision to ask for a law change shows bad faith and disregard for the agreement entered into between the CTU and all district health boards, including Canterbury, which acknowledged the right to strike and agreed minimum staffing levels and processes to protect risk to patients during strike or lockout action."
Mr Wilson said he expected the Government to "look dimly" on Canterbury's suggestion.
Meanwhile district health boards say there have been no major emergencies after the first couple of days of the strike.
People are being asked to consult their doctor first, and only use the hospital in emergencies. Emergency cases are being transferred to other DHBs.
Negotiations between the two sides stalled on Friday and no date has been set for a resumption of talks.
- NZPA
