Junior doctors have resumed plans for strike action after negotiations with district health boards (DHBs) broke down today.
New Zealand Resident Doctors Association (NZRDA) general secretary Deborah Powell said the union hoped a renewed proposal would help prevent industrial action.
DHBs today turned down the proposal.
Dr Powell said she was disappointed by the response.
"This was a compromise on behalf of junior doctors and we felt we had come up with a new strategy that would benefit both parties."
The proposal would have assisted with the retention and recruitment crisis, she said.
"We thought this offer would be a valuable step forward in recruiting and retaining our resident doctors although we also had to acknowledge that it was a compromise and would not solve the problem."
The offer would remain on the table until Monday afternoon, she said.
"This offer has been made to avert strike action. If it does not serve its purpose and our members are forced to strike, then the offer will be withdrawn."
DHB spokesperson David Meates said boards would now focus on contingency plans for the strike.
Non-urgent and elective treatments were already being deferred, he said.
"Our number-one priority is patient safety and we will be concentrating all efforts on maintaining acute and emergency services for anyone who needs urgent medical attention."
The NZRDA proposal equated to a pay increase of 30 percent over three years, but Mr Meates said this was not realistic.
"It's hard to see where the compromise is in a wage demand that is more than double other health settlements," he said.
"What's most telling is how junior doctors' pay claims haven't really changed during negotiations... it's totally unrealistic.
"They demand more money and offer no answers to the underlying issues that create pressure on DHBs and staff."
DHBs were offering a "constructive solution", he said.
Lump sum payments of $3000-$4000 plus another $1000 retention payment were rejected by the union.
An alternative option of 4.25 percent in base salaries as a short-term settlement was also rejected.
Minister of Health David Cunliffe said he was disappointed at the lack of progress in today's talks.
"I support the view that a broad based approach is needed to find a sustainable clear long-term pathway for improving conditions for junior doctors," he said.
"I call on both sides to reconsider their positions and to recommence discussions in advance of the planned strike." Failing agreement the strike will go ahead on April 22 and 23.
