About 1200 nurses, midwives and health assistants at public hospitals in Northland will join 27,000 others throughout the country if they decide to go on strike over a pay dispute.
The Northland District Health Board has a back-up plan in the event of an industrial action in late May or early June but details would be released once a strike action is confirmed.
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation wants a pay rise of more than 2 per cent in the revised collective agreement it is negotiating with the Ministry of Health.
NZNO national delegates will meet on April 18 to decide the next steps and bargaining strategies, including any recommendations for industrial action.
The Government offer for 27,000 nurses, hospital aides, and core midwives is a 2 per cent pay rise as well as a $1050 lump sum payment.