APEX dental therapists and assistants are currently in the end stages of bargaining their new collective agreement. We have addressed many items, such as various no-compliances with the publishing and changing of rosters, the cleaning of uniforms/gowns, and the confusion around mileage claiming.
Dental therapists and assistants work under unique business models which see them travelling considerable kilometres each week. APEX, other relevant unions, and Te Whatu Ora Waitemata have been working to construct a mileage policy that aims to cover all bases when it comes to claiming for reimbursement. This is something that especially affects our dental assistants so once this is in place, we will continue to monitor its efficacy.
The other non-compliance we have been pushing back on is the laundering of uniforms at home. This has unfortunately become custom and practice, however both relevant collective agreements to the Waitemata dental workforce stipulate that the uniform is the employer’s responsibility. With the new rollout of gowns, this will be an area of practice to watch.