Unions Unite for Home Support

The Council of Trade Unions is hosting the petition for the joint PSA, E tū, and Grey Power campaign on Together, the union movement’s digital campaign platform.

We’re seeking to send a strong message to the new Government about the urgent need to fix the home support system.

SIGN THE PETITION

CTU National Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges is encouraging everyone to sign to join the call for quality care for clients and decent jobs for home support workers.

“We could all be in the position to need that support for ourselves or a family member,” she says.

“To ensure quality of care, we also need to take care of the carers through consistent funding, adequate breaks, and decent permanent work.”

GIVE US A BREAK

PSA home support members around the country took time out for a Give Us A Break cuppa on the International Day for Decent Work on October 7.

They were raising awareness of the lack of paid rest breaks for many home support workers, and their demands for regular work hours and proper payment for travel time.

Sign the petition at www.together.org.nz/theydeservethebest

CTU SEES PROMISING SIGNS FROM NEW GOVERNMENT

The union movement is excited by indications the incoming Government will take action on their election commitments to working people.

SAFER SICK LEAVE

Legislation to double sick leave entitlements to 10 days is now expected to be introduced before Christmas.

Working people led by the CTU campaigned for the increase and Melissa says it’s important it progresses quickly.

“The international situation shows we are not out of the woods with Covid. We need to do everything we can to enable people to stay home when they are unwell. ”

PROMISING SIGNS

Melissa says Labour and the Greens are committed to introducing Fair Pay Agreements as soon as possible, although there will be more work to complete on the legislation.

Both Labour and the Greens have committed to improving protections for contractors.

“There are currently far too many people incorrectly engaged as contractors. In many cases the law defines these people as employees.

“We also need protections for genuine contractors so they can bargain collectively for better conditions.

Melissa says there are promising signs the new Government will meet its commitments to extend the Living Wage to all contractors in the public sector.

Progress is also expected on commitments to Make Work Safe.

“The rates of workplace accidents are still unacceptably high.  A review of the Health and Safety at Work Act is long overdue, while addressing less visible issues like stress and workplace bullying is important.”

 Main picture caption: Westport home and community support workers Wendy Sheenan and Brigitte McIntosh