Doctors working for ACC issue strike dates

More than 50 senior doctors working as medical advisors at ACC are planning three half-day strikes next week over pay and conditions.

Their union, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, says ACC has refused to offer personal grievance rights, protections for speaking up and basic pay increases.

ACC and the union have been negotiating since December.

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill, which passed this year, removed the right for senior doctors to a fair dismissal and the ability to file personal grievances for unjustified dismissal, unless the employer agreed otherwise.

The union said ACC had so far refused to include any specific rights to speak publicly on issues of patient safety, contrary to recommendations in its own culture review.

Since 2018 the consumers price index had increased more than 31 percent but pay rates for senior doctors employed by ACC as medical advisors had increased 4.2 percent.

In March, ACC's board noted that comparisons showed ACC paid less than public sector organisations and crown entities.

"Taken together, and in the context of ACC's ongoing problems with workplace culture and senior management turmoil, these refusals to staff show a disturbing lack of concern for their staff," union industrial officer Adam Craige said.

ACC has been approached for comment.

Strike times:

Monday 20 July, 8am - noon

Wednesday 29 July, 1pm - 5pm

Friday 7 August, 8am - noon

ACC deputy chief executive for service delivery Michael Frampton said ASMS members were "first and foremost our staff members".

"It's their right to take action, and we support their right to do so."

He said they would ensure the strike action resulted in minimal disruption to clients, and continue to negotiate with the ASMS in good faith.