11 Jul 2023

Lab workers strike across Wellington and South Island this week

From Morning Report, 6:20 am on 11 July 2023

Most medical labs from the Wellington region down to the bottom of the South Island will be impacted by lab worker strikes this week.

SCL scientists, technicians and phlebotomists say they've had enough of playing post-pandemic catch-up, tackling the rising cost of living and staffing shortages.

Currently an SCL lab worker earns $82,000 per year, while an equivalent nurse now sits at $105,000 a year.

APEX Union advocacy leader David Munro says parent company Awanui Labs intends to present a 'take-it-or-leave-it' offer tomorrow.

David Munro spoke to Charlotte Cook.