18 July 2012

Home and Hospital carers shouldn’t have to strike for $14 per hour

CTU supports members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) and Service and Food Workers Union Ngā Ringa Tota (SFWU), who are taking strike action seeking a fair wage increase from Aranui Home and Hospital, says CTU President Helen Kelly.

Helen Kelly says “the majority of Aranui rest home staff are paid the minimum wage of $13.50 an hour, and have only had increases when the law has been changed to increase the minimum wage. It’s outrageous that these workers aren’t being offered a decent increase, especially when Aranui employer has said that “affordability is not the reason.” Some workers have been there for over 10 years on minimum wages.

“These carers go the extra mile for residents every day, and deserve a decent wage increase – not to be left on the minimum wage even after years of service. But Aranui refuses to budge and has left these carers with little option but to strike. We are supporting these workers in their fight for fair wages.”

Members of the SFWU and NZNO at Aranui Home will be taking strike action tomorrow, Thursday 19th July. There will be pickets from 7am till 11am then 3pm to 7pm at 19 Woodward Road, Mt Albert Auckland.

ENDS

© Scoop Media