Access Community Health’s decision to suspend approximately 40 contact centre workers and coordinators taking part in a partial strike is draconian and reflects badly on their reputation, says NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

"The owner of Access - Green Cross - is a big business with deep pockets. In trying to get tough and intimidate their lowest paid staff, Access are showing their true colours by picking on those most vulnerable and least able to afford it. These workers are just looking for some equivalence with their colleagues."

"Access need to show some compassion towards those on the very bottom of the income scale and negotiate a fair deal. Suspending staff will only cause ill feeling over the long term."

"Working people across New Zealand who aren’t getting a fair share in their wage packet will be right behind Access workers looking for a liveable wage."

ENDS

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