Psychologists call halt to action

Wellington clinical psychologists have called off their first strike after the Government apparently promised a rescue package for cash-strapped health boards.

About 60 psychologists, who have been locked in an 12-month pay dispute with health boards Capital and Coast, and Hutt Valley District, rallied at Parliament yesterday on the first day of what was to be a five-day strike.

National Union of Public Employees (Nupe) secretary Nadine Marshall said they were met by the chief executives of the two boards on the steps of Parliament.

"They advised they had a funding package available and we are now able to get back to bargaining on Monday, September 5."

Psychologists had now called off their strike and returned to work ahead of more negotiations, she said.

They have been pressing for a 30 per cent "catch-up" pay rise to return them to their usual position relative to doctors and nurses.

Ms Marshall said psychologists' salaries in the Wellington region were about $12,000 less than counterparts elsewhere in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, the health boards had put contingency arrangements in place to cover the period of industrial action.

Julia Hennessy, the manager of mental health services at Hutt Valley, said the main impact was on outpatient appointments with clients of mental health and child and family services.

"These will be delayed but will be rescheduled to occur as soon as possible after the strike ends," she said.

Capital and Coast spokesman Nigel Fairly said there would be some delays to inpatient assessments and therapies but no one with urgent needs would be affected.

Hutt Valley chief executive Chai Chuah, speaking on behalf of both health boards, said their funding packages were being finalised and there would be provisions in those for pay settlements.

Ms Marshall said Nupe regarded the promise of extra funding by the Government as "a breakthrough" in the 12-month negotiation.

- NZPA