In order to avert the nationwide strike started by around 1000 medical radiation technologists (MRTs) over the issues related to suspension of some employees from DHBs and the delayed process of pay negotiations, hospital radiographers have offered their employers with an alternative.

On Monday, four radiographers working at Counties Manukau DHB were suspended followed by another three from Auckland DHB on Tuesday, which raged the X-ray, image, and scan specialists to initiate a strike.

On August 26, around 65 radiographers shunned their work at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital and have planned to strike for three days.

Today, Apex, which represents the radiographers, told that it would like to reach a collective deal with the DHBs and MRTs, so as to avoid strike across the country.

Though, as for now, MRTs and DHBs have agreed to hike the pay by 1% and 1% in October, but still there are certain issues that need to be addressed. The union members are against the MRTs proposal to consider the hike dated back to the time their agreement ended in October. Also, members want to establish equivalence among the pay for sonographers.

Adding fuel to the fire, the other issue includes the extension of the working week from 35 to 40 hours for Auckland staff.

"Regrettably, if these cannot be resolved then the strikes scheduled for September 3 in Auckland and September 7 nationwide will proceed as scheduled", said Robyn Slater, Spokeswoman for Apex.