Health NZ lauds 'constructive approach' taken by union during bargaining
More than 500 physiotherapists and medical laboratory employees are set for a 2% salary increase after a settlement on new collective agreements between Health NZ and the Association of Professional and Executive Employees (APEX).
Health NZ said the new collective agreements include a 2% salary increase and other workforce specific agreements with a 15-month term, effective November 1, 2025.
The agreements will cover 140 full-time physiotherapists and 379 medical laboratory workers under Health NZ.
"Health New Zealand welcomes the decision by the Association of Professional and Executive Employees (APEX) members to settle the collective employment agreements for physiotherapists and medical laboratory workers," said Health NZ CEO Dale Bramley.
"We value the hard work and dedication of our physiotherapy and medical laboratory workforces and recognise the significant contribution they make to caring for the health and wellbeing of all New Zealanders."
The collective agreements with Te Whatu Ora were two of the three agreements settled by APEX during the week, with the other one for Scientists and Technicians at Awanui Labtests.
"A big thank you to all of the delegates for their hard mahi throughout these bargaining processes," APEX said in a statement on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Bramley lauded the "constructive approach" taken by APEX during the bargaining round, which he said helped ensure a positive outcome for their members.
"We remain hopeful that bargaining will enable us to settle other outstanding collective agreement negotiations with health unions," the chief executive added.
New Zealand recently saw major industrial actions from health workers across the country amid failing negotiations on their collective agreements.
