The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has reported that nurses working for Te Whatu Ora are furious due to the employer's failure to pay $1.95 billion worth of unpaid holiday pay and other leave they are owed for almost eight years.
Every Te Whatu Ora district failed to meet the requirements of the Holidays Act, and while some members will receive very little, others will be getting payouts of tens of thousands of dollars, dating back to 2010.
NZNO Chief Executive Paul Goulter has mentioned that the Te Whatu Ora members have been promised numerous times about the payments, only to have their hopes dashed by one delay and excuse after another, year after year.
"Last year, Te Whatu Ora said dates for payment by the various Te Whatu Ora regions would be confirmed in January, which was revised again."
Definitive payout dates were promised on the 9th of February this year, but nothing was heard.
"They have had eight years to put this right while monetary amounts devalue and members struggle with living costs."
NZNO is lodging a complaint with the Minister of Health, Hon. Dr Shane Reti.
"Justice delayed is justice denied, and this is when there are unprecedented safe staffing issues due to a lack of nurses."
The consequences of this situation affect communities in Aotearoa as nursing staff leave the profession.
