New Zealand: Unionized doctors strike 07:00 May 30-08:00 June 1, New Zealand Blood Service workers strike 13:00-17:00 May 31, 00:00-23:59 June 4

Medical service disruptions are likely during consecutive nationwide health workers' strikes May 30-June 4.

The New Zealand Resident Doctors' Association (NZRDA) has planned a nationwide work stoppage 07:00 May 30-08:00 June 1 to demand higher pay amid a series of sporadic strike campaigns. Around 2,500 junior doctors employed by Health New Zealand staged strikes May 7-8 and May 16-18 and held demonstrations outside hospitals in various urban centers, including Christchurch, Hamilton, and Wellington. Thousands of practitioners could participate in the upcoming labor action. NZRDA could conduct additional walkouts if their demands remain unmet.

Over 290 workers employed by New Zealand Blood Service are currently observing a partial work strike till through June 19. The workers are refusing to work outside of paid hours and handle any work related to processing AHF plasma May 29-June 6. The workers will also hold a walkout 13:00-17:00 May 31, and 00:00-23:59 June 4.

NZRDA has confirmed the details of demonstrations near or outside the following hospitals on May 30:

• Auckland City Hospital: 08:00

• Christchurch Hospital: 10:00-11:30

• Dunedin Hospital: 07:00-10:00

• Hawke's Bay Hospital: 08:00

• Middlemore Hospital, Auckland: 09:00

• Nelson Hospital: 08:00

• Palmerston North Hospital: 08:00-09:30

• Rotorua Hospital: 07:30

• Tauranga Hospital: 08:00

• Waikato Hospital, Hamilton: 08:00

• Wellington Hospital: 08:00-10:00

• Whakatane Hospital: 07:30-08:30

Well-attended gatherings could draw hundreds of participants. New Zealand Blood Service could also stage rallies in Auckland, Waikato, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington Christchurch, or Dunedin, although attendance is likely to be in the dozens. LIkely protest locations include public squares, major thoroughfares, and government buidlings.

Unless averted, the upcoming strikes will likely impact related services during the strikes May 30-June 4, especially elective surgeries, at various healthcare facilities nationwide. Officials have indicated that the work stoppage will not impede emergency services. Disruptions could persist following the conclusion of the strikes as medical facilities deal with a backlog of patients.

Officials will likely deploy additional personnel to monitor any such gatherings. Although unlikely, isolated minor scuffles between police and activists are possible. Demonstrators could march along roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions.