Allied health workers do the "unglamorous but vital" tasks in the health system and should be compensated fairly, a frustrated southern employee says. Allied health is a catch-all title for dozens of professions, which include anaesthetic technicians, oral health therapists, alcohol and drug clinicians, dietitians, and physiotherapists. The Southern District Health Board said it respected the right of its staff take industrial action and acknowledged their important role. About 500 southern health system workers are PSA members: their work to rule continues until May 20, and a full 24-hour strike is scheduled for May 16. "It’s got worse, and in eight months’ time it will be even worse again," the health worker said.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 12, 2022 22:47 UTC