Mediation hoped to bring end to hospital strikes

Mental health nurses and district health boards should know by the end of today whether they have seen the last of industrial action for the near future as mediation talks resume.

About 3000 nurses, represented by the Public Service Association, picketed throughout New Zealand yesterday as they pushed for wage increases and terms beyond what has been offered by the boards.

Boards have offered rises averaging about 20 per cent, but the workers object to parts of it, including cuts in penal rates for some.

Mediation between the two parties resumes today and the PSA said if terms weren't agreed to there would be further strikes by Monday.

"We are very hopeful that we will get a settlement today and once we do we will be able to proceed with ratification and that will be the end of it," PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff told NZPA this morning.

Members were pleased with how yesterday's strike went and had since indicated they would be comfortable doing it again, he said.

- NZPA