Radiographers lifted all strike action yesterday to allow a vote by members on whether to settle a long-running pay dispute with district health boards.
Apex southern delegate Bernadette Gourley said members were of a mind to consider the new offer, which the DHBs would only put if radiographers lifted strike notices.
The radiographers wanted an end to the dispute but would reinstate industrial action if necessary.
Support from the general public and hospital colleagues was strong, and members had not been "intimidated" by strong criticism from the DHBs about the adverse effect of strike action on patients, Mrs Gourley said.
Southern District Health Board (Otago) diagnostic and support services general manager Sonja Dillon said the board could now begin the task of reducing waiting times stretched by the industrial action.
Rolling strike action had included implementing minimum examination times and withdrawing after-hours labour.
