Radiographers cancel strike

Radiographers will be working in DHBs around the country. Photo / Mark McKeown

A nationwide strike by radiographers has been called off, and the union says it will return to talks with district health boards (DHBs) tomorrow.

Members of the radiographers' union, Apex, had planned a two-day strike from tomorrow, but today lifted full strike notices.

"This will be some temporary relief for hospitals and patients," DHBs spokeswoman Karen Roach said.

"The union is, however, continuing with the so-called `low-level' strike action at a number of hospitals."

Ms Roach said the ongoing cost implications of some of Apex's demands were up to 82 per cent higher than what was affordable for DHBs.

"We cannot agree to a settlement that is unaffordable, but remain willing to meet to explore settlement options with APEX," she said. "DHBs have done their best to prioritise the money that is available to settle the collective agreement against the union's claims."

Radiographers have issued hundreds of strike notices after contract talks broke down in April.

Among the union's demands, Apex wanted backdated pay as well as time in lieu for professional development courses, and parity for sonographers with their higher-paid colleagues in Auckland and Northland.

The parties had agreed in principle to a pay increase of 1 per cent after six months and a further 1 per cent increase after a year, Apex spokeswoman Bernadette Gourley said last week.

However, after a lack of agreement on the other issues, the DHBs withdrew their offer late last month.

- NZPA