Dozens of patients - some in ICU - will miss out on cardiac surgery in the lead-up to Christmas thanks to a strike by perfusionists at Auckland Hospital.
Their union says they haven't been offered any pay rises this year by their employer, Auckland District Health Board.
"We expect up to 40 patients, many in the intensive care unit, will miss out on urgent surgery because of the strikes," said APEX Union national secretary Deborah Powell.
All non-acute procedures on December 2 and 3 will be cancelled, she said, affecting around 40 patients. Auckland DHB told Newshub it understood the strikes would take place between 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm on both days.
Perfusionists are "highly trained experts", APEX Union said, who operate complex machinery which keeps patients alive while they're being operated on.
"No one wants to see patients who are suffering from coronary heart disease or needing aortic valve surgery have their care delayed. Ultimately the Government's pay freeze on public health professionals is to blame for this disruption."
She said the union has offered to call off the planned strike if the DHB doubles their employer contribution to KiwiSaver to 6 percent, but more will be needed to avoid future strikes.
In a statement, an Auckland DHB spokesperson said patient safety was its top priority and it was working hard to ensure patients still receive the emergency and essential services they need.
"It will be necessary to reschedule some surgeries. Patients and whānau can be assured that patients will be prioritised based on clinical need," they said.
"Patients should still come to their scheduled appointment during the industrial action period unless we have contacted them directly to say their appointment is being rescheduled."
"Perfusionists are valued members of our workforce and we respect their right to take industrial action."
Trainee perfusionists start on $58,679, according to the latest collective agreement, and can earn up to $138,206. They are entitled to "automatic annual progression" in their pay.
The Government ordered a pay freeze on public sector employees who earn more than $100,000 in May. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at the time said the focus was on boosting pay rates of those on or below $60,000.
