The midwives’ union, MERAS, is cautiously optimistic following a positive session of the full negotiating teams in facilitation today.

MERAS industrial co-leader, Jill Ovens, says a counter-offer to their proposal has been made by the DHB negotiation team.

However, she says it is far from a done deal.

“There are several steps this must go through, including our own members, as well as the DHBs’ Chief Executives, the Ministry of Health and the Government,” she says.

Nothing about the specifics of the counter-offer can be discussed or revealed at this stage, however Ms Ovens says if the proposal progresses positively, a new Multi-Employer Collective Agreement(MECA) could be in place within 4-6 weeks.

Strike notices that MERAS has issued for 12-hour strikes from 9am-9pm, on 11-14 February will not, at this stage, be withdrawn.

ENDS

Note: The MERAS negotiations should not to be confused with the New Zealand College of Midwives Co-Design discussions / negotiations with the Ministry of Health.

MERAS members are employed midwives and as such MERAS (the midwives’ union) is working on their behalf regarding their collective employment negotiations. The College of Midwives is the professional membership organisation for midwives.

The Co-design relates to the way the self-employed midwives (not those employed in DHBs), are remunerated.  For more information please contact Ali Jones at RedPR 027 247 3112 .

Contact:

Jill Ovens
Co-leader (Industrial)
021 598 530

Caroline Conroy
Co-leader (Midwifery)
027 688 8372