Doctors working for ACC issue strike dates

More than 50 senior doctors employed by Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) have announced plans to stage three half-day strikes beginning next week, citing disputes over pay and employment conditions. The strikes, organized by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS), will occur on Monday, July 20, Wednesday, July 29, and Friday, August 7. Each strike will last four hours, with the first two days starting at 8 a.m. and ending at noon, and the third day running from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The walkouts follow months of negotiations between the union and ACC over terms of employment, including protections against unfair dismissal and provisions for raising concerns about workplace practices. The ASMS has accused ACC of refusing to grant personal grievance rights, safeguards for whistleblowers, and necessary pay raises. These demands stem from broader dissatisfaction among senior doctors who feel their working conditions have not kept pace with inflation. Since 2018, the consumer price index has risen by over 31 percent, while the salaries of ACC-employed senior doctors have increased by just 4.2 percent. This disparity has fueled frustration within the medical advisory ranks, particularly after ACC’s board acknowledged in March that its compensation levels lag behind those of other public sector organizations and Crown entities. Negotiations between ACC and the ASMS began in December, but progress has stalled. A key point of contention involves the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, enacted earlier this year, which eliminated the right of senior doctors to challenge their dismissal through personal grievances unless employers explicitly agree to such protections. The ASMS argues that ACC has not included any specific clauses allowing its members to raise concerns about patient safety or other critical workplace issues, despite recommendations made in ACC’s internal culture review. Adam Craige, an industrial officer with the ASMS, criticized ACC’s stance, stating that the refusal to address these concerns reflects a “disturbing lack of concern” for its employees. He pointed to ongoing challenges within ACC, including workplace culture and leadership instability, as exacerbating factors in the current dispute. Craige emphasized that the proposed strikes represent a culmination of unresolved tensions rather than an abrupt escalation. ACC has acknowledged the right of ASMS members to strike but expressed commitment to minimizing disruptions for clients during the planned actions. Deputy Chief Executive for Service Delivery Michael Frampton described the ASMS members as “first and foremost our staff members,” affirming that ACC supports their right to take industrial action. He added that the organization remains dedicated to continuing negotiations in good faith and ensuring continuity of services for claimants affected by the strikes. The potential impact of the strikes on ACC operations remains unclear, though both parties have indicated efforts to mitigate any adverse effects. ACC has not yet commented on specific measures being taken to cover for striking staff, nor has it released further details on the outcome of recent discussions. Meanwhile, the ASMS continues to push for resolution on core issues related to job security, transparency, and equitable compensation. The situation highlights growing tensions between healthcare professionals and government agencies over working conditions and remuneration. As the scheduled strikes approach, attention will focus on whether negotiations can yield a compromise before the first walkout begins. If no agreement is reached, the strikes could serve as a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue between ACC and its senior medical staff.