As many as 800 medical radiation technologists from all over New Zealand went on for one-day strike yesterday.

Christchurch didn’t go for the industrial action because of the earthquake that hit the city on Saturday. The hospitals there were packed with injured patients and as a result they preferred not to take part in the strike.

The strike was called to protest against the failed talks between the Apex union and district health boards regarding contract negotiation.

Radiographers do not agree with the non-backdated increase of 1%, with an additional 1% increase in the present year. They want to have backdated pay.

Some senior medical experts were worried that due to strike the patients will suffer and will not get proper treatment at the right time.

Pat Davidsen, who is the District Manager of Nelson Marlborough District Health Board, said that he cannot reveal officially how many people got affected by the strike.

He further thanked the people for understanding the situation and cooperating with the hospital staff.

The strike was a quiet affair and the strikers cooperate well and no untoward incident happened during the course of the strike.

Bernadette Gourley, who is the spokeswoman of Apex union, said the union didn’t get the support of the district health board members to resolve the issue.