PSA and E tū members at Access Community Health have voted overwhelmingly in favour of further industrial action after their latest pay talks stalled – more than a month after members first took to the streets for better pay.
The latest round of industrial action begins today across the country, with members on strike for up to four days from today, Friday 21 June until Monday 24 June.
Access Community Health coordinators, administrators, and call centre workers held a week of partial strikes and walkouts in mid-May, with further action in early June after efforts to negotiate a new pay deal failed.
“Our members are beyond frustrated by Access’s ongoing refusal to lift the wages of those who are some of their lowest paid workers,” says Melissa Woolley, PSA assistant national secretary.
“In one month of bargaining, Access have used bullying and intimidation tactics, undermined the bargaining process, and have made offers that would see disproportionate rates of increase between members.”
“Attempts to divide and silence our members have only made them more determined not to back down, as seen by our members continuing to vote overwhelmingly in favour of taking action and by an increase in membership since industrial action began in May.”
“We urge Access to come back to the bargaining table and offer a better deal for these workers,” says E tū Home Support coordinator Kirsty McCully.
“It’s time for
Access to recognise these workers as the glue that holds Home Support together
in New Zealand. Access’s failure to give their workers a fair increase is
disrespectful to both the members, and to Access service users.”
ENDS
Member action:
Access
coordination staff in Whangarei will be gathering with supporters in the
Whangarei Town Centre to distribute information to the local community at 11am
today, Friday 21 June.
For further information, contact:
Kirsty McCully E tū Home Support Coordinator ph: 027 204 6354
For any local Whangarei media interviews and information please contact Moana Witehira E tū organiser ph: 027 204 6367