If you’re a Home Support Worker in Te Waipounamu (the South Island), you could soon be working for a different company.

The Government is making big changes to the way they contract support work. They’re reducing the number of companies they fund. If you work for an agency that isn’t chosen, it’s likely you’ll be asked to transition to a new job at one of the companies that get the new contracts.

Changing jobs can be exciting. But it can be stressful too.

There are a lot of important questions that come up – like whether the pay will be the same, what happens to your annual leave have, and whether the new employer has different sick leave entitlements.

That’s why this is a good time to join your union. Being part of your union helps protect your rights at work because you don’t have to go it alone.

‍

‍

You’ll be joining more than 9,000 support workers who are already members of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. Here how being part of the union can make a difference:

• You’ll be connected with other home support workers who relate to the challenges and joys of your mahi. We know this work can be isolating, so those relationships can make a big difference.

• You’ll get access to information about the contract changes and how they might affect you. Your union meets with government officials, funders, employers, and politicians regularly.

• You’ll be part of a collective that has your back. Unions are all about the strength we have when we come together. We don’t leave people behind to figure everything out by themselves.  

• You’ll get support to make sure your pay and conditions don’t get worse if you change employer. The union can support members whose employment is changing. We’ll advocate together to protect your rights.

• You’ll get access to discounts and services like holiday homes through PSA Plus which offers deals on things like insurance and travel to union members.

‍

It’s important to join now – before things start changing.

By joining before the new home support contracts are confirmed, you can make sure you have the union behind you before anything changes. The union can provide better support to keep your pay and conditions if you join from where you are now.

‍

‍

You can join online through our website, or by emailing us or calling our free-phone line (from 8:45am – 5pm, Monday to Friday). If you have any questions or want to know more, please get in touch!

Sign up to be a member of the PSA.
Email us: enquiries@psa.org.nz
Free phone: 0508 367 772

‍

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find more information about the changes to home support contracts?

The PSA will keep members updated as the process develops. Some home support workers might want to ask their employer for information.

What if I work in Te Ika a Māui (the North Island)?

This is likely to be the start of changes to come in other areas of Aotearoa.  

How do I know if the PSA is the right union for me?

You can ring our freephone number on 0508 367 772, or email us at enquiries@psa.org.nz

‍