By RNZ

More than 11,500 Allied Health workers will vote on whether to take industrial action after mediation with Health NZ.

The Public Service Association said the action would be a four-hour strike on 28 November, and a "work to rule" - to not do unpaid overtime, and to take their lunch and tea breaks - the week before and after the planned strike.

National secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the workers - who cover over 60 professions including social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, scientists, anaesthetic technicians, Māori health specialists, clinical support workers and health assistants - had been in bargaining since June.

"These are critical health workers who work long hours and often have to do unpaid overtime to ensure New Zealanders get the healthcare they need."

Fitzsimons said that they were reluctant to take more action, but Health NZ had failed to recognise the immense pressure that health workers were under and the struggle they faced with the cost of living.

"[They] attended mediation on Sunday hoping it would bring Health NZ back to the table with an improved offer," she said.

"While Health NZ did offer to shorten the term to expire on 31 October 2027 rather than the original expiry of 31 December 2027, the pay increases would be delayed until the date of settlement."

Fitzsimons said the offer on the table did not keep pace with inflation and meant the workers would effectively be taking a pay cut.

"Meanwhile, there are simply not enough health workers to provide the level of care New Zealanders need.

"If Health NZ continues to undervalue these workers, we'll keep losing them to Australia where the health system respects what they do.

"We urge Health NZ to come back to bargaining with an offer that reflects the value of these workers and addresses the staffing crisis that is compromising patient care across the country."

Main image: Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone