The wider union movement has thrown it’s support behind the They Deserve the Best Campaign for home support that gives dignity to our most vulnerable people.
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
It was our biggest Congress ever, with more than 200 delegates gathering in Wellington to debate, network and make plans that will guide the future of our union.
We extend a warm welcome to Benedict Ferguson who has been elected as our new president by delegates at Congress 2020.
An interim offer for the DHB admin pay equity claim, new collective agreements in the Public Service, and a new leadership line-up for our union feature in our News in Brief.
With a new Government now in place it’s timely for the PSA to consider what we can expect, and what we would like to achieve in the next three years.
Delegates at Hui Taumata came away feeling inspired and empowered to make a difference for their workmates and their people.
Allan Franks says he felt “privileged and a bit overwhelmed” to receive the Marlene Pitman Award at Hui Taumata, the PSA Māori Congress.
The PSA is taking a two-track approach to delivering on pay equity - using the force of new law to settle claims and new guidance to end discrimination.
Thanks to all our members who supported the PSA’s Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment during the election campaign. We’ll be continuing this campaign for a commitment to universal basic services.
Here’s why writer and campaigner Max Harris believes universalism is so important.
PSA members were among the winners in Te Kawa Mataaho's Public Service Day Awards this year.
After the most challenging of years, many of us are counting the days until we can take a well-deserved break.
Christchurch kids and their bikes will benefit from a PSA HealthCarePlus Grant for Good.
The two researchers delving into the findings of our Mana Wahine Treaty Claim survey shared their own experiences of discrimination with Working Life.
The Covid-19 pandemic is estimated to have claimed the equivalent of 235 million jobs across the Asia Pacific region.
The right to work is a fundamental human right - but people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC) continue to experience discrimination in workplaces which can sometimes force them to leave.
Members at a mental health unit in Auckland are “stoked” about their new roster system.
Pink is the theme for our photo pages this issue thanks to the anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day and the DHB admin pay equity claim Pink Tuesdays.
Retiring national secretary Glenn Barclay looks back on a time of growth and change at the helm of New Zealand’s largest union