Tens of thousands of nurses from across the country are set to walk off the job for eight hours next month - "absolutely furious" at the Government's three year pay rise freeze.
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) union have confirmed 30,000 district health board nurses voted to strike on June 9.
Those in Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) would not strike but those working as a part of the vaccination rollout would. The union says DHBs have been given ample notice to make alternative arrangements for the eight-hour period.
David Wait, lead advocate and NZNO industrial advisor, said they did not strike on a whim and cared deeply for their patients but the time has come for a clear statement to be made.
"If nurses are not valued and appreciated, they will leave nursing or move overseas, and few young people will be joining the profession to replace them."