Three cancer specialists in St. John's have decided to resign, their employer confirmed Tuesday.

All three gynecological oncologists employed by Eastern Health have submitted resignations, the regional authority said.

Dr. John Guy, director of medical services with Eastern Health, said the resignations will take effect Oct. 7.

Eastern Health will not disclose reasons.

The gynecological oncologists were not included in a dramatic pay increase that Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams announced in May.

That deal applies to pathologists and only medical and radiation oncologists. The deal included a 35 per cent increase for eligible oncologists, as well as increases to other benefits.

However, one of the gynecological oncologists told CBC News Tuesday that the pay dispute is not why the three specialists are now in talks with the Newfoundland and Labrador government.

She said the physicians are instead more concerned about patient safety, as well as issues involving respect in the workplace.

CBC News has been told that the specialists were angry that they were excluded from a raise offered to their colleagues.

The pay package, which Williams said brought pay rates for pathologists from the lowest levels in the country to the highest, has attracted criticism from within the medical profession since it was announced.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association strongly criticized how government implemented the pay hike, calling it divisive.

Williams has defended the move, calling it necessary for dealing with critical shortages in particular specialties.

Officials with the NLMA and the provincial Department of Health could not be reached for comment Tuesday.