Frustrated Access members vote for action over offer
Access Community Health coordinators, administrators, and call centre workers have voted to take further industrial action this Friday after efforts to negotiate a new pay deal failed.
The PSA and E tū bargaining team attended
mediation last Thursday in the hopes of securing a better
offer.
However PSA Assistant National Secretary,
Melissa Woolley, says a fresh offer to lift pay for many
members by only 50 cents an hour left members
unimpressed.
"The mediation last week showed us that
Access is beginning to listen to our members, but a lack of
significant movement on pay has only served to strengthen
our members’ resolve. They still feel undervalued by their
employer," says Ms Woolley.
"As a result, members
voted overwhelmingly to reject the offer and to take further
action instead.”
The industrial action this Friday
will include a nationwide walk-out from 1:00pm until close
of business, as well as picketing at select offices around
the country, including a picket from 1:00-3:00pm outside the
Access head office in Petone.
"This strike action is
not being taken lightly," says E tū Home Support
coordinator Kirsty McCully.
"It is a last resort for
our increasingly frustrated members, and we urge Access to
return to the bargaining table with a fair and respectful
pay offer.
"Knowing the money is there but that Access
simply doesn’t want to give their workers a fair increase
is insulting to both the members and Access service
users.”