Frustrated NZ Nurse

Published

Specializes in Psych.

I have been in NZ now for 4 years and working on the same ward for over 2 years. I find the system so frustrating and what makes it worse is that nobody seems to care; least of all the NZNO. They make empty promises, accomplish little and refuse to get involved and refuse to help when asked for assistance.

Nothing on my ward has really changed since I have been there (with exception of the staff). Two years ago, we were promised this, that and the other thing and all we get are elaborate excuses as to why nothing has happened and how very soon things will happen. Our new contract was ratified on 1 Sept (it took 8 months to negotiate) and we will not get paid our back pay until December at the earliest. This is insane.

My issue is that I feel like I am the only one who sees the elephant in the living room. I want to make well needed change, but I feel like I am alone. Is it possible to decertify a union in NZ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Acute Mental Health.

all i say is be thankful your not in queensland, NZNO is angelic in comparison

to the union here..

good luck...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Management.
all i say is be thankful your not in queensland, NZNO is angelic in comparison

to the union here..

good luck...

You're kidding yourself! Queensland are the 2nd highest paid nurses in the country and on average earn about $3/hr more than their NZ counterparts. When you take the exchange rate into consideration there's no contest.

The most recent EB agreement (EB6) spelt a 23% wage increase over 3 1/2 years (as opposed to the Kiwis 11% over 3 years), a Professional Development package ($1500 - $2500 per year + paid leave) and a host of other entitlements.

See a run down here:

http://www.qnu.org.au/__data/page/918/EB6_Newsletter_21_April_PRINT.pdf

If anything the Kiwis should be flocking over here to work!

I'm sorry but do your research before you make such ridiculous comments!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sorry you're having problems with your ward chigap, I understand how frustrating it is working in NZ, which is why I came to Australia 3 years ago. Compared with New Zealand, Australia has much more to offer nurses in terms of wages and living standards. I have found the hospital I work in, in rural NSW, extremely open to further education opportunities and a lot more supportive of staff than back home.

As far as I know unions cannot be 'decertified' and if you have already waited 2 years for things to change, there doesn't appear to be much hope of anything happening soon.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've almost finished my studies and a lot of my classmates are all planning on up and leaving for Aussie.

I wouldn't mind, the money and lifestyle is certainly a draw, but I'm not a fan of high temperatures. Plus, knowing my luck, I'd probably get bitten by something!!;)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Paediatrics, oncology, rheumatology.

I wonder where we would be without the NZNO! I for one understand what the u in union stands for. If you want change to happen you have to participate and not rely on the NZNO to do it alone it requires your input as well. Perhaps you could make yourself known to the local workplace delegates to address some of your concerns and see the power of united action. I agree that the implementation of the latest pay increase has been frustrating but given the current industrial climate in health it is an achievement to have a settled contract. I hope to hear of your activism soon.:welcome:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.

I would imagine that you have benefited by the NZNO. Unfortunately, we are not all in Nelson. In Auckland, many of us are immigrants, and the u in union stands for u Kiwis. I don't know how things are in Nelson, but they are getting pretty bad up here and to top it off we immigratns are being exploited, not fairly represented and work in envornments where we are subjected to open racism and hostility by other staff and patients. Staff turnover is high, patients loads higher and getting worse everyday. So please, do not lecture me . What has NZNO done for CCDHB? Small-town NZ does not have the same problems. I have no doubt that it is only a matter of time before some of us learn what it is like to not have the NZNO.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment