Vocational Disability Support Workers
Yesterday, (Monday 3 July) the PSA and E tū met with the Ministry of Social Development and Oranga Tamariki to extend the pay equity settlement to vocational disability support workers.
The Government negotiators and the unions have reached agreement on the text of the settlement and its coverage.
The next steps will include agreement from the appropriate cabinet ministers and the signing of the agreement next week pending ratification.
There will be a short ratification process, although as most vocational support workers have already ratified the agreement and legislation is required, it will be deemed to be ratified from 18 July.
We will notify you of the details of the ratification meeting process shortly.
It is agreed that the new rates will be back paid from 1 July 2017.
Community mental health support workers
E tū and the PSA have filed a pay equity claim in the Employment Relations Authority on behalf of community mental health support workers.
The current situation is causing a major imbalance and will affect the ability for the sector to attract mental health support workers.
The first day of negotiations between the Unions, Ministry of Health and sector representatives is this Thursday 6th July.
Please check your email for updates, and for information of union meetings to talk about the case. In the meantime, talk to your workmates about signing up to the union and supporting this campaign.
Please call Union Support 0800 1 UNION if you would like further information about Equal Pay and what it means for you.