02 Dec 2024 | 06:38 AM UTC
New Zealand: Public hospital nurses and midwives staging strike, demonstrations nationwide 11:00-19:00 Dec. 3
Health workers striking at public hospitals, rallying across New Zealand, 11:00-19:00 Dec. 3. Confirm medical appointments.
Around 36,000 nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants plan to stage a work stoppage in public hospitals and health facilities 11:00-19:00 Dec. 3. Members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) are striking after negotiations with Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) fell through. The walkout will likely affect nonemergency health services at public hospitals, including elective surgeries. Rolling districtwide strikes are likely Dec. 10-19 unless negotiations with officials succeed.
Additionally, NZO members will stage demonstrations nationwide, including in the following major cities, Dec. 3:
Auckland: Picketing at Auckland Domain 11:00-13:00
Christchurch: Rally at Hagley Park 11:00-14:30
Wellington: Picketing outside Riddiford Street outside Wellington Hospital 11:00-13:00
Thousands of people could join each gathering, with the highest attendance likely in major cities.
Longer wait times are likely at public hospitals nationwide Dec. 3. Increased security and localized transport disruptions are probable around gatherings, which will likely pass off peacefully. Lingering disruptions are possible after the strike ends as hospitals work to clear any backlog.
Exercise caution around rallies. Confirm medical appointments in advance and prepare for medical service disruptions Dec. 3. Heed all official advisories.
