140 Care Givers and Nurses to Strike

MEDIA RELEASE
ATTENTION: INDUSTRIAL AND HEALTH REPORTERS

140 Care Givers and Nurses to Walk off the Job for 48 hours:

Last minute discussions today between the Unions (NUPE and NZNO) and Brackenridge Estate (ex Templeton Centre) have failed to prevent the strike commencing at 7am tomorrow.

“The new offer was a repackaging of the same money. The new offer would have seen a longer term than originally offered, a marginal increase for some and less money than previously offered for others.” says Janice Gemmell NUPE Organiser

“The strike scheduled to commence tomorrow at 7:00 am will proceed as planned” said Janice Gemmell. The strike action is scheduled to take place from 7:00am on Friday 11th through to 7:00am on Sunday 13th January. There will be a complete withdrawal of labour over this period.”

The Unions have been in discussions with Brackenridge to ensure Life preserving Services over this period. “Staff hold the residents care and wellbeing as their highest priority” says Janice Gemmell

“Staff want to be paid a decent hourly rate and be valued for the incredibly important work they do. If this Labour Government and the Ministry of Health genuinely care and value the Intellectual Disability sector then they must fund it properly ensuring that decent rates of pay can be paid to the workers” says Janice Gemmell.

Brackenridge receives most of its funding from the Ministry of Health who has recently frozen funding increases to this sector.

There will be a picket at Brackenridge from 6.30 am on the 11th of January which will remain for the duration of the strike.

“Many families of residents have contacted staff stating they will be joining them on the picket line” says Janice Gemmell.

Brackenridge Estate is at 150 Maddisons Road Templeton
Head South out of Christchurch and turn Right off the Main South Road at Templeton – Kirk Rd – and then left down Maddisons Rd

ENDS

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