Oceania Disappointed With Ongoing Strike Action

Oceania Disappointed With Ongoing Strike Action

Oceania Group said it is disappointed that tomorrow’s rolling 12-hour strike by workers at some of its 59 senior living and care facilities is going ahead despite the company’s improved offer on wages and conditions to its members.

The unions were to discuss the improved offer at a two-hour paid stop-work meeting last week, but instead they chose to use that time to rally outside the company’s offices.

“We had hoped that this latest strike would have been called off given that Oceania has agreed on the substantial demands of the unions,” says Oceania Chief Executive Guy Eady.

Oceania has already offered a 3.2 percent increase in wages over 16 months. The company has also agreed to

Backdate the offer to 1 February 2012,

No reduction in overtime payments of time and a half, and

Extend a new collective contract to casual employees

“Given that funding increases from successive governments over past years have been lower than the rise in the cost of living, Oceania is always balancing being able to offer staff higher wages with the need to meet all other costs around providing high-standards of care at our 59 facilities.

“There is absolutely no question that we value our staff and the fantastic job they do every day. Taking into account our improved offer, it is up to the members whether they believe the union is acting in their best interests with ongoing strike action. Everyone wants this resolved as soon as possible,” Mr Eady said.

Oceania said that since the beginning of industrial action, 60 employees had resigned from the two unions. After tomorrow union members will have lost over a day’s pay as a result of striking.

The company has made provisions for extra staff to cover care services during the three 4-hour rolling strikes tomorrow to minimise the disruption to residents.

Oceania reiterated that the sector will come under huge pressure in years to come as the country’s baby boomers continue to reach retirement age. An aged-care bubble over the next 20 years is going to be a challenge for the finances of all New Zealanders.

ENDS

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