Midwives employed by DHBs have voted overwhelmingly YES to a pay settlement.

The vote which closed on Friday 12thApril, will see a majority of members gaining increases of up to 17.5% from where they are now ($66,755 a year) to where they will be in August next year ($78,353 a year).

Finally a breakthrough and positive outcome for employed midwives.
Around 1250 midwives employed by DHBs who are members of the midwives’ union, MERAS, are voting on a proposed settlement of their multi-employer collective agreement (MECA) that achieves much of what midwives have been fighting for.

The College is liaising very closely with the Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), Community and Public Health specialists and of course our member midwives.

The New Zealand College of Midwives has a very simple message for its members and women around the country today, March 8th – you’re awesome and be kind to yourself.

National Health Advisory Notification of MMR immunisation advice for healthcare workers ADVISORY SUMMARY: The Ministry wishes to remind all healthcare professionals and other people working in health care facilities, who were born on 1 January…

MERAS, the union representing midwives, has withdrawn its strike for Nelson-Marlborough DHB in light of the continuing state of emergency.

Industrial co-leader Jill Ovens says the union recognises the stress that our members, women, and the community have been through and that this is continuing.

“We have heard from members who have been volunteering to help in the community, supporting those affected by the fires in practical ways, and they felt strongly that we should cancel the strike,” Ms Ovens said.

“If you love your Mama, march with midwives next week”.

That’s the call from midwives planning a symbolic hikoi starting in the North and the South, moving towards Parliament over four days from next Monday (11 Feb) to Thursday (14 Feb).

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-employed Midwives to Strike Again The midwives’ union MERAS has issued strike notices for 12-hour strikes from 9am-9pm, on 11-14 February. At issue is the DHBs refusal to acknowledge the responsibilities and skills of midwives,…