Northland sonographers promise industrial action if pay talks fail

Northland sonographers plan more industrial action if their pay dispute with the Northland District Health Board is not resolved.

The seven sonographers - technologists who use ultrasound scanners - claim they are paid a third less than counterparts in Auckland.

A notice of industrial action was issued to the health board on Monday.

The notice relates to plans for an overtime ban if no agreement is reached within two weeks.

The sonographers walked off the job on November 1 after negotiations stalled.

Association of Professional and Executive Employees secretary Deborah Powell said the union was due to begin negotiations with the health board today.

The board had rejected every suggestion put forward by the union, she said.

She declined to comment on whether the sonographers would go on strike again.

A spokeswoman for the Northland District Health Board said routine work would continue as normal and emergency work out of hours would be done by a consultant radiologist.

"We are back at the negotiating table this week and look forward to productive discussions," she said.

Four sonographers have left the team since January.

- NZPA