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