Pact industrial action to proceed after no employer movement

17 October 2011

Pact industrial action to proceed after no employer movement in mediation

Workers employed by mental health and intellectual disabilities provider Pact will commence industrial action on Thursday, after mediation today failed to resolve their pay dispute.

“Our union team came to mediation with a genuine intention to resolve this and prevent any disruption to services,” said union advocate and Service and Food Workers Union organiser Ann Galloway. “Sadly Pact was not prepared to move at all.”

Ann Galloway said Pact has acknowledged the huge contribution of their workface.

“But words are not enough,” she said. “Pact clearly had no intention of offering anything more than the miserable one per cent they have previously offered and they have forced our members into the position where they must take industrial action to support their very justifiable pay claim.”

Industrial action is set to begin on Thursday 20 October, initially with a paperwork ban and two hour stop work meetings on 26 October.

Pact members will also step up their campaign to demonstrate community support.

“Pact’s facilities and services are vital for local residents requiring support to live more independently,” she said. “We know our members have strong community support and it’s time Pact acknowledged that too.”

PSA Organiser Jon Henning said Pact could afford to make a better offer.

“Pact’s income has grown from $14.5 million in 2008 to over $20 million. PSA and SFWU members want fair recognition of their contribution,” said John Henning.

Pact employees who are SFWU members based in Dunedin, Hokitika, Greymouth, Oamaru and Balclutha voted to take industrial action. PSA members in Invercargill also voted to take action.

ENDS

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