Medical Radiation Technicians (MRTs) at Hawke's Bay District Health centres are continuing with industrial action today in bid to negotiate wages.
Thirty-eight staff members from Hawke's Bay Hospital, Napier Health Centre and Central Hawke's Bay Health Centre, began a "partial strike" on Monday.
Those taking action were working to rule, where they
undertook examinations and procedures only within the specified time.
The industrial action caused some disruption for patients requiring an X-ray or a scan.
Hawke's Bay District Health Board chief operating officer Warrick Frater said: "The hospital is managing very well. However people will experience delays and we appreciate their patience at this time."
MRTs taking action were members of the Association of Professionals and Executive Employees (APEX). APEX national secretary Deborah Powell said they were prepared to take industrial action until wage negotiations with district health boards (DHBs) were settled.
Hawke's Bay APEX delegate Shenna Hewitt said the partial strike was not about money, but "fairness across the board".
She said there were wage disparities between hospitals and hospital staff.
DHBs spokeswoman Karen Roach, and Northland DHB chief executive, said DHBs were disappointed with the industrial action after pay offers in February and June were rejected.
"The majority of workers in the sector have engaged constructively with the DHBs and reached a settlement that recognises the challenges DHBs face and allows us to focus on improving sustainability.
"DHBs are operating in extremely tight fiscal conditions and our priority is to provide the best possible health care to the communities we serve," she said.
Ms Powell said previous offers were "insufficient" and APEX was frustrated with the length of time taken for DHBs to make another offer.
"That's where we're still at. It's incredibly frustrating, and the frustration we feel is part of the problem."
Nine hundred MRTs were taking industrial action around the country.
Negotiations between DHBs and APEX members have remained unresolved since September last year.
