KEY POINTS:
Public hospitals around the country intend to deny food to visitors and staff, the Service and Food Workers Union said today.
SFWU spokesperson Alastair Duncan said a number of major hospitals have told staff they will have to rely on vending machines for food and drink.
Auckland hospital has told staff that cafeterias will be closed and that staff will have to resort to vending machines.
Wellington hospital has told staff to expect "very little" cover in food and cleaning services. Other hospitals are expected to also reduce or cease similar services to staff and visitors.
Hospital kitchen, cleaning and orderlies issued strike notice last week in support of a claim for pay rise and a national agreement.
The four major contractor contractors, Spotless, ISS, OCS and Compass then retaliated with lockout notices to a nearly two thousand orderlies, cleaners and kitchen staff.
Mr Duncan said that by failing to ensure food is available the contract companies may be breaching their commercial agreements with District Health Boards.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
