Most RMOs don’t ever get around to reading the their employment contract (MECA). In this episode, Sam talks to NZRDA advocates Melissa Dobbyn and Tara Martin about what you need to know, and where to get help.Key concepts to be familiar withCross cover outside ordinary hours (XXOOH)Cross coverMax 2 long days in 772 hour rule144 hour rule8 hour break ruleSleep recovery days LeaveEntitlementLeave abutting weekendsLieu days14 days, undeniableAbutting rule doesn’t countCan’t be transferredCan’t be used on statutory holidayLeave transferSick leaveParental leave  Costs of trainingEntitlements as a house officerAPC application and renewalInsuranceMELRarely granted in PGY1, discretionaryPGY2+ entitled to 5 days/year, extendable to 2 weeks for PGDip OMG/PaedsThere is a 12 week total entitlement per vocational pathway, but isn’t something to be too worried about at this stage. Will probably increase. DHBs are required to help you get through training.Includes interviews, transport, flights, accommodation Keep a work diary from day 1Leave applied/taken/transferredClaims made/paid RostersPublished 28 days before, then can’t change, otherwise after hours shifts are optional14 days for reliever, paid 2 categories aboveShort notice relief – know the rulesPart of a run desctiption – cannot be changed with 2/3 agreement by RMOs concernedRun review InsuranceNZMPIProvides actual insurance, governed by NZ insurance lawNZ company, NZRDA is a shareholderMPSProvides discretionary cover, not governed by NZ insurance lawUK companyMedicus SuperannuationEntitled to 6% of your salary to superannuationCan put it all into Kiwisaver or all into a schemeOr split 3%/3%There is an NZRDA scheme, but also some others. Just make sure you’re signed up to something to receive your entitlement. Where to get help (you need to be an RDA member)Local delegate[email protected]MECA and MECA FAQJoin the RDAFree for TIs$40/month by direct debit or $480/year direct debit or credit card. RDA membership90% of RMOs are members.RDA is the only organisation solely representing RMOs. They do not represent SMOs, GPs or anyone in management.If you run into trouble during your career an RMO, you will be far more likely to have a good outcome if you are an RDA member. RDA will provide extensive help, but only if you were a member at the time the problem arose. This is seperate to medical indemnity cover, that won’t cover professional and industrial issues.Our working conditions are only good because RDA members before you fought hard for them. Where union membership is low, the conditions erode. Look no further than the UK where the pay is bad, job satisfaction low, expenses not reimbursed, and residents are forced to work unsafely.As an RDA member you have a say on all issues the RDA is involved with, especially negotiating the MECA and rosters. Getting into troubleHappens to the best of usOutcomes often influenced on how the complaint is managedContact RDA earlyA “support person” should be a RDA delegate or advocateHow to approach problems with RMO unit and supervisorsWellnessImportant to maintain a healthy work-life balance.The first year as a house officer is probably the highest risk for having a break down. It happens every year.HeadspaceResourcesThe MECAMECA FAQJoin the RDAReimbursable training cost listsFind your local delegateNZRDA superannuation scheme