The prospect of a nationwide junior doctors' strike has moved a step closer after doctors in Hawkes Bay rejected a pay offer.
Already doctors in Whangarei, Palmerston North and Wanganui are on week-long strikes and those at Waikato Hospital strike from Monday.
Doctors in Wellington, Otago and Southland have rejected the pay offer and have voted to take industrial action, while those in Taranaki are to consider their response today.
Doctors in Auckland and Marlborough rejected the pay offer on Thursday. The Auckland doctors decided to continue their negotiations separately and those in Marlborough have yet to decide on industrial action.
Regions still to consider the pay offer are Rotorua, Gisborne, Nelson and Canterbury.
The doctors are asking for a 20 per cent pay increase, paid training, additional costs for senior registrars, paid leave for conferences and accelerated salary progression when doctors pass exams. They were offered a 9 per cent pay rise over two years.
"This dispute is spreading and a nationwide strike is looking more likely," said Resident Doctors' Association spokeswoman Deborah Sidebotham.
A "peace plan" worked out by hospital managers yesterday would be put to junior doctors early next week.
Healthcare Otago human resources manager Baden Ewart said one option looked at was "retiring" student debt - hospitals paying off some of doctors' student loans in return for commitments to stay in the job, with big reductions for commitments to stay longer.
Health Minister Annette King said a boost in funding in the Budget gave hospitals enough money to address the wage claims.
However, National's health spokesman, Wyatt Creech, said hospital bosses were hamstrung because the Government had not provided enough for the basics.
- NZPA
Nationwide doctors' strike looms closer
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