Aged Care Workers at Rosebank take Strike Action

Media Release:

Aged Care Workers at Rosebank take Strike Action

Members of the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) working at Rosebank Home and Hospital in Ashburton will be taking strike action for the second time for 24 hours and 15 minutes from 6.45am on Saturday 4th April until 7.00am on Sunday 5th April.

Members have been attempting to renegotiate their collective agreement since August 2008. The employer made an initial offer of an increase of 1.2% to wages in exchange for staff agreeing to a reduction in staffing levels. The employer has received increased funding from the District Health Board of 2.8% and notified of a further .5% backdated to 1 October. Members refused to accept any increase in wages in exchange for a reduction of staffing levels as they are not prepared to compromise the care of residents, which is what fewer staff would mean.

This is the second 24 hour strike our members have taken in an effort to encourage their employer to negotiate a reasonable pay rise. “Strike action is always a last resort, however our members at Rosebank feel that they have no other option left open to them,” NZNO Aged Care Industrial Adviser Lynley Mulrine said.

"Even though Stuart Leck stated publicly that he was prepared to meet with us he has since refused our invitation to do so".

Members will be picketing outside Rosebank Home and Hospital from 6.45am 4th April throughout the day.

ENDS

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