Equality Vital for Workers say CCS

1 March 2007

Equality Vital for Workers say CCS

CCS believe that all people working in New Zealand should be paid a fair days pay for a fair days work and the repeal of the Disabled Persons’ Employment Promotion (DPEP) Act is an important step to ensuring full inclusion for disabled people in New Zealand communities.

“Having an opportunity to contribute fully to your community and be employed with the same respect and rights of all other workers in New Zealand is vital for people with disabilities,” says Peter Wilson, National Development Manager, CCS.

CCS believes it is crucial to change some peoples’ view of adequate treatment of disabled workers. It feels many employers and workplaces, such as sheltered workshops, believe it is acceptable to allow their employees to work under poor employment conditions with below minimum wages. CCS is surprised that some parties are saying the DPEP Act repeal is leaving people unprepared considering the NZ Disability Strategy and ‘Pathways To Inclusion’ forewarned of the repeal up to five years ago.

“This is about a much wider message of acceptance and inclusion of people with disabilities within our communities. If New Zealand employers and society are not treating disabled workers equally, and in some cases exploiting those workers, it is a very serious issue of basic human rights,” says Peter Wilson.

CCS Background Information

CCS works in partnership with disabled people, their families and whanau to ensure equality of opportunity, quality of life and an environment that enhances full community integration and participation.

CCS exists to make a difference for disabled people, their families and whanau by removing barriers to inclusion and by offering support to disabled people to access all ordinary opportunities in their communities. Our community is made up of disabled people and their families and whanau, who live in Aotearoa New Zealand. We include all people who face barriers to inclusion on the basis of disability and who want to access the disability support services we provide.

Reflecting the commitment in the New Zealand Disability Strategy – Making A World of Difference Whakanui Oranga [Minister for Disability Issues April 2001], a key expectation of CCS work is that the New Zealand community grows its capacity to ensure that disabled people have the same rights, choices, opportunities and safeguards as other citizens.

CCS operates with a National Office and regional management structure, providing services nationally from 16 incorporated societies. We deliver regular services to over 6,000 people with disabilities making us one of the largest disability support service providers in New Zealand. CCS works closely with other disability agencies to ensure we make best use of shared knowledge and resources, helping us to adopt best practice across the sector.

ENDS

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