Thousands of primary health care (PHC) nurses and reception and administration staff have issued a strike notice on Tuesday over pay parity.
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) announced 3200 PHC staff from over 500 practices and medical centres are covered by the one-day strike on September 3.
NZNO industrial advisor Chris Wilson says PHC staff are calling on the Government for pay parity with DBHs so they can maintain staff and quality care.
"Our PHC members voted overwhelmingly in favour of the strike and that's a clear indication of their frustration and disappointment after nine months of fruitless negotiations," she said.
"PHC nurses just want to be paid the same as their DHB colleagues."
Wilson said an experienced nurse in PHC earns 10.6 percent less ($7651 per annum) than a hospital nurse, and some medical receptionists/administration workers earn lower than the living wage.
"It would take very little for the Government to resolve this issue and properly value the amazing work these people do in providing expert care in the community - demonstrated so clearly in the COVID-19 response."
She says members are also aware Auckland is now in COVID-19 alert level 3, and the rest of New Zealand at alert level 2, and they "have not taken this action lightly".
"The strike ballot was already well underway when alert levels shifted. We have been endeavouring to resolve this matter for far too long and members have simply had enough."
Wilson says the NZNO is still open to resolving the situation before the strike occurs.
"NZNO is willing to meet at any time to resolve this."
