Three key unions in the health sector have accepted a 2% pay rise.
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation, the Public Service Association, and the Service and Food Workers Union formally accepted District Health Boards New Zealand's offer yesterday of a 2% pay rise, taking effect nine months into the 18-month agreement.
As reported in yesterday's Otago Daily Times, the unions opted to negotiate as a bloc for the first time, rather than individually.
DHBNZ spokesman Peter Glensor said the health sector would benefit greatly from the agreement.
NZNO industrial adviser Glenda Alexander said members' acceptance of a nine-month delay for their pay rise was a responsible move during tough financial times.
"Our members have acknowledged how hard things are in this current financial environment and have deferred their 2% pay rise for nine months after the agreement commences."
The agreement covers 75% of district health board workers, just over 43,000 staff.
