New Zealand Resident Doctors’ Association (NZRDA) is the only representative organisation for RMOs (house surgeons, SHOs and registrars) in NZ. It is your organisation; whose sole purpose is to represent RMO views and improve our working conditions.
NZRDA was formed in 1985, because RMOs in New Zealand realised they needed their own organisation to pursue their issues if anything was to be achieved. This fact still holds today. Only by remaining committed to a strong collective organisation, representing all RMOs, can we continue to ensure that our education, training, conditions of employment an work life balance are not only maintained, but hopefully advanced.
What does NZRDA do?
Communication
Communication between NZRDA and members is vital to ensuring issues are identified and managed appropriately and that developments are communicated effectively. NZRDA provides regular information and updates to all our members through journals and newsletters. We further represent RMOs by lobbying government, and working with colleges, the Medical Council and other representatives within the health sector to best represent your interests.
Negotiation
Of NZRDAs roles, one of the most important is the negotiation of our collective agreement (MECA) which covers RMOs employed in DHBs throughout NZ. The MECA is negotiated by NZRDA on behalf of all members and represents a culmination of work and commitment to improving employment conditions since 1986. During this time, successive generations of RMOs have continued to progress issues and pursue better conditions of employment for those who follow. As a member of NZRDA, you are entitled to all the provisions of the MECA and NZRDA will enforce these for you if necessary. The MECA sets the minimum conditions of employment and pay to which you are entitled. For specific details you should always refer to the agreement itself, or contact one of your reps for further information. New employees are covered for 30 days during which time if they join NZRDA they will continue to be covered.
In addition to enforcement of the MECA provisions, negotiation service and strategies, we can provide legal advice on your rights. NZRDA also acts an advocate for the RMO community. We represent individual members who have difficulties arising from employment, training and health issues. By supporting NZRDA you ensure conditions will be further improved and entitlements protected.
Negotiating Structure
NZRDA has contracted Contract Negotiation Services (CNS), an industrial advocacy firm, to provide administrative, advocacy and advisory services to the Association. Essentially it meets all the service requirements of the Association. CNS ensures continuity is maintained and that RMOs transient nature cannot be used to our disadvantage. CNS have delegated responsibility to ensure the smooth operation of NZRDA within the policies determined by the National Executive and the AGM.
Membership of the Association is deemed to constitute an authority for the Association to act as a representative in all matters relating to your terms and conditions of employment. This includes the negotiation and enforcement of our employment agreement. This authority can be revoked by resigning from the Association.
The negotiating team is empowered to negotiate our MECA to the point of settlement. This must then be ratified by members covered by the MECA on the basis of a 50% and one majority.
Indemnity Insurance
NZRDA is actively involved monitoring indemnity issues, lobbying and educating to improve and protect RMOs in their practice and supporting RMOs through the indemnity system.
Services
NZRDA provides insurance options for RMOs including professional indemnity insurance, income protection insurance and life insurance options at reduced premiums. We have a free life insurance policy for all members ($10,000 amount). We also provide a superannuation scheme for all our members.
