District Health Boards are very pleased to announce a settlement has been reached with midwives covered by the MERAS (Midwifery Employee Representation & Advisory Service).

Spokesperson Helen Mason says DHBs have been working closely with the MERAS union to address the broader workforce concerns of midwives as well as a significant pay offer.

'This is tremendous news for all those involved and testament to the hard work of the representatives from both teams.

'Midwives are an integral part of the broader health team and this settlement reflects the importance of their role.”

DHBs and MERAS are jointly supporting a pay equity claim and will apply any increase determined in that process from 31 December 2019. Work is also underway looking at staffing levels across the sector.

'In addition, a significant pay offer has been agreed that will see midwives' pay increase significantly in the next 13 months,” says Helen.