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The New Zealand National Party wants the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) minister to “step up and let the public know what is being done about the five weeks of strike action.” They expect him to give an assurance that things in his portfolio are under control.
Minister Iain Lees-Galloway has reportedly been missing in action despite strike action by ACC medical advisors over their stalled employment agreement negotiations.
National’s spokesperson for ACC Tim Macindoe said they hadn’t heard a peep from the ACC minister as more discontent and industrial action rattles the health sector.
“Given that he also holds the Workplace Relations portfolio, the minister should be setting the standard and explaining how he is going to quell widespread industrial disruption in our vital public services,” he noted.
However, Macindoe said the minister is “failing to do so,” as frustrations mount and New Zealanders are “suffering major inconvenience and anxiety as a consequence.”
“The under-prepared Minister had very little to say about his ACC portfolio when he appeared in front of the Education and Workforce Select Committee frequently deferring to his chief executive and chairperson to hide his lack of answers,” he added.
“Our public services are increasingly being disrupted by strike action while the government fails to live up to its promises.”
As part of their weekly rolling stoppages, ACC medical advisors have further strikes planned for July 25, August 02 and August 10.
