As we await the Government’s response to the health and disability sector review, we asked our PSA Community Public Services and DHB sector committees what they’re looking for.
COMMUNITY PUBLIC SECTOR CO-CONVENORS
What are the most important issues CPS members want the review to address?
It has exposed systemic failings across the health and disability sector.
It shows the system issues that have created unfair working conditions, unrealistic expectations about hours of work, and a wage that often leaves our members having to scrape to get by.
We need better working conditions, secure hours of work, fair wages, and quality training so we can provide quality services. Our members deserve to feel valued for their mahi.
What changes are needed to fix the issues?
We support the implementation of an integrated, national, health and disability system.
A system that eliminates the competitive market where private organisations compete for contracts and then "clip the ticket" on funding that should be fully utilised by the person needing that service.
We deserve a transparent, fair system starting with the person providing the service and ending with the recipient of vital services.
Why is it crucial to involve unions in the implementation of a transformed system?
It is vital workers have input through their unions. At the core of a transformed system there will be skilled, specialised workers that are essential to services and vital stakeholders in the process of change.
Union involvement brings frontline wisdom to the table.
DHB SECTOR CO-CONVENORS DIANNA MANCER & STACEY MUIR
Stacey Muir
What are the most important issues DHB sector members want the review to address?
Inequitable service provision for those with chronic health conditions, disabilities or older people.
There are also significant issues with provision of care depending on your locality, such as “post code cancer care”.
Funding and delivery of mental health services needs to be improved.
There are also issues with work environments, staffing levels, pay & conditions and leadership across the health sector.
What changes are needed to fix those issues?
Dianna Mancer
We want a less fragmented system that is equitable for all, focused on outcomes and patient centred care. Improved leadership will go a long way to improving environment, staffing and pay and conditions! Moving away from population-based funding and focusing on delivering responsive and effective health services across the country.
Why is it crucial to involve unions in the implementation of a transformed system?
Those who work in the health and disability system are acutely aware of its strengths and weaknesses. ‘We’ the highly unionised health sector can support change that will build upon the systems strengths and alleviate its weaknesses IF our voices via our union are heard!
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Also in this issue:
News in Brief
In our News in Brief, Pasefika representation is being implemented across our union, we announce a new Māori leadership role, and acknowledge the anniversary of the March 15 attacks.
Nevertheless we're Persisting!
The theme for our Women’s Network Conference in March was to have been ‘Nevertheless She Persisted’.
"I found it very easy"
A year into the global pandemic, the roll out of vaccinations is being welcomed by many workers on the frontline.
Saving our Libraries
The PSA has helped defeat a proposal to partially-privatise Wellington library and slash its budget.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Imagine a world where you can’t just jump online to apply for jobs, access services or communicate with friends or family.
“It’s not easy opening your hearts up”
The opening hearings in the Waitangi Tribunal’s Mana Wahine Inquiry have heard powerful kōrero about the power, authority and status held by wāhine Māori in pre-colonial Aotearoa.
Hard won recognition
An interim equal pay agreement for DHB administration and clerical workers is being greeted with a mixture of satisfaction and relief.
“We’ve come a long way”
Ten years on from the February 22 earthquake we reflect on the challenges faced by our members in Canterbury as they helped their community to rebuild.
Summer Snaps Competition
We’ve had a great response to our PSA Plus Holiday Homes Photo competition with some quality snaps making it hard to choose a winner.
Fight back in Myanmar
The military coup in Myanmar has deeply shaken hopes for democracy but public servants and unions are fighting back.
Plea for more sick leave
PSA home support members have told a parliamentary select committee they need more sick leave to keep themselves and their clients safe.
"No fear factor" about disability
The formation of a network for disabled staff at Inland Revenue snowballed out of a desire to move beyond a “one click, one size fits all” mentality.
Leading the Way
It may say something about Brad Hedger’s commitment to the union that he agreed to speak to Working Life about his role as a PSA delegate just days before his wedding.
Climate Talk
New Zealand is stealing from the peoples of the Pacific. We are stealing their land, their homes, their water, and in doing so, we are jeopardising their future.
Challenging the Norm
Working mum Pip Bennett decided to research gender norms after becoming frustrated that everything was being left to her.
Men raising boys
A new book has inspired PSA member and stay-at home dad Aaron Packard to consider how we can help men to be more hands-on fathers
Around & About
The Pride March in Auckland features among the events in our PSA picture page for this issue.
Big Brother Bosses - should you be worried?
Imagine you’re using a computer. Someone else installed software on it, and uses it to track your keystrokes, learn your password and access your personal email account.
