PSA members at disability support provider Te Roopu Taurima have voted to ratify a new Collective Agreement.

The settlement follows an 8-month dispute. The employer banned Kaitaataki and Poutaaki (residential whare leaders) from working additional hours before Christmas and threatened a six-week suspension in response to low level strike action.

"These workers stuck together through what was a long and difficult industrial dispute and proudly emerged stronger," says Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi National Secretary Fleur Fitzismons.

"The new agreement doesn’t include 90-day trials which was a key driver of the dispute.

"Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the members of Parliament and representatives of the disability community who stood with workers in this challenging moment.

"Kaitaataki and Poutaaki are pleased to be able to return to focusing on their important work supporting taangata and their whānau."

The legal action against the lockout is still to be heard by the Employment Relations Authority.

Other media releases:

PSA Welcomes withdrawal of suspension and lockout of disability workers at Te Roopu Taurima

Sunday rally to protest outrageous suspension of 38 disability workers

PSA calls on Te Roopu Taurima to abide by ERA recommendations

PSA calls for end of unlawful lockout by disability support provider

PSA condemns anti-worker barganing tactics by Kaupapa Māori disability trust

(The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.)

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