"Its come at costs that are unacceptable and by that I mean changes and removals of some of our other safety provisions and protections that are also just as important."
Dr Saywell believed the offer made by health boards had more to do with punishing doctors than resolving the issue.
"You've got to look at the big picture because what we're actually interested in is the over all outcome and how well we're able to look after patients."
She said the union was prepared to compromise, just not on patient safety.
"We understand we'll be working less hours so the pay category is going to drop and everyone's fine with that."
A union survey last year found 1182 doctors were identified as having made a mistake as a result of work fatigue.
Mrs Patterson says New Zealand junior doctors have the best pay and working conditions in the western world.
"If that's so that's horrifying," says Dr Saywell
She says regardless of how you compare conditions overseas a survey done by the RDA shows a clear need for improved working conditions.
She says the union met with DHBs negotiation team 3 times last week, but they were unable to come to an agreement.
