Allied health workers say they're fed up being overworked and underpaid.

They're set to begin industrial action today before a full 24-hour strike next week.

After 18 months of negotiations, the Employment Relations Authority made a recommendation last week, which DHBs are yet to act on.

PSA organiser Will Matthews told Kate Hawkesby a lot of these workers could head overseas if a new offer isn't put on the table.

“We have people being actively targeted by Australian health agencies who can offer tens of thousands of dollars more, even as a starting rate, than an Allied health worker can ever hope to earn in New Zealand.”

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