Open Letter to Contingency Planners
Welcome to the Contingency Planning team for this MECA negotiation. Our role is to ensure that your DHB and others are well prepared in the event that negotiations are unable to achieve a resolution and some form of industrial action is the outcome.
We aim to ensure a plan is prepared at the outset of negotiations and then filed for the future should it be needed.
There are several steps in this process and the attached process map demonstrates those. However in simple terms the phases we will follow are:
Notification
The first step involves the initial set up once the Union has advised the DHBs of their intention to negotiate a MECA. At this point the negotiation team is established and DHBNZ requests the name of the Contingency Planner for each DHB. At this point I as the national Contingency Planner receive your name and the national team is established.
The key element at this time is to identify the planners and gain an understanding of the extent and full range of staff involved in each DHB and the likely impact of any action.
Preparation Contingency Plan
Using the templates available on the DHBNZ website the National Contingency Planning Coordinator (NCPC) customizes the plans in accordance with the impact for the particular staff groups involved in the negotiation. The templates will then be sent to you with instructions on the parts to be completed and details of any other action to be taken. At this point the key elements to be confirmed are the DHBs’ risks associated with a strike by this staff group and at a high level the plan for your DHB and the possible requirements for Life Preserving Services support (LPS) from the union should strike occur.
During this phase we will communicate about your plan until we are happy that the plan is adequate to meet the needs of your DHB and aligns with the national position and risks. The NCPC has the role of ensuring all contingencies are explored and risks mitigated. The completion of the plan may take several weeks. Once signed off the plan is filed – one copy nationally with the NCPC and one at your DHB
Escalation
This phase only occurs when the negotiating team, believe the talks are likely to break down and industrial action is likely. At this stage we review the plans, update any relevant information and confirm the details of the plans and LPS requirements in accordance with the current local and national context.
Strike notice Received
a. National involvement
When notice of strike or action is received, it is critical that we act quickly. There is only a 24 hour period for the DHBs to make a request of the Union for any LPS assistance they may require. Consequently we ask that you as the DHB Contingency Planner (DHBCP) advise the NCPC immediately of any notice received and send a copy by fax or email of the notice to the NCPC.
On the morning following the receipt of such a notice there will be a national teleconference. This activates the planning process and on this conference call the planning groups discuss the next steps. The main focus on this day is completion of the LPS letter. Following the teleconference you will be asked to complete your letter and send it for review by the NCPC. By the end of business the same day this letter needs to be signed by the CEO (or delegate) and sent to the union.
The legislative timeframes require that within 4 days we must have negotiated with the union the LPS requirements for each DHB. Should we not be able to achieve this DHB(s) would seek an adjudicated decision on their requirements and have until Day 7 to finalise this.
b. Local DHB activity
Meantime at your own DHB you will be working with your Contingency planning team on the implementation of your plan. This work will be accompanied by daily national teleconferences and regular discussions with NCPC.
There is a lot to learn about your role as a planner in such situations and you can at any time contact the NCPC to gain an understanding of your role. She will support you through the various stages of planning and implementation. You can make contact either directly or through DHBNZ. The bottom line is to ask if unsure. Many people have planned before you and the lessons learned can be applied each time. You have a wealth of knowledge within your own DHB and many who can help in other settings. Please feel free to make contact at any time and seek help.
Previous planning and implementation has only been successful because the DHBs work together and help each other. Thank you for accepting this challenge and, again, never hesitate to make contact whether the issue is large or small.
Anne Aitcheson
National Contingency Planning Coordinator
0274323534