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Patients may have surgery and outpatients' appointments cancelled next week as Medical Laboratory Workers' Union members walk off the job in their quest for better pay.
The union has given notice its members will strike from 8am on April 11 until the same time on April 13.
The union has about 1200 members working for 16 of the country's district health boards (DHBs), the New Zealand Blood Service, Southern Community Laboratories and Medlab South.
Union national president Stewart Smith has said laboratory scientists had to complete a 4-1/2-year university degree before graduating and entering the workforce - their starting salary is $40,000, which can increase to $46,500 in five years.
"Salaries offered in other industries and internationally are well in excess of these rates of pay," he said.
"We are seeking to adjust salary rates to try and retain this valuable workforce."
Laboratory workers have agreed to provide "life-preserving" services during the strike.
A statement from Canterbury District Health Board said it was one of 16 DHBS given notice of the strike action.
Some services at all its hospitals would be limited during the strike and some patients might be asked to visit private laboratories for their tests.
A "small number" of surgical cases, along with some outpatient appointments, would be affected and some services would be cancelled.
Mr Smith said the union was into the 13th month of negotiations with no prospect of a resolution as the employers were offering a pay rise that failed to even keep up with inflation.
- NZPA
