Sleepover minimum wage deal a win for workers

Sleepover minimum wage deal a win for workers

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) congratulates members of Service and Food Workers Union: Ngā Ringa Tota (SFWU) and the Public Service Association (PSA) for achieving the minimum wage for IHC disability support workers on overnight shifts.

The settlement, agreed to by Cabinet yesterday, resolves a ten year dispute and ensures that all disability support workers who work overnight shifts will be paid minimum wage by July 2013.

NZNO industrial services manager, Cee Payne says, “It is the perseverance and commitment of union members that has resulted in justice for these workers who have such a valuable role supporting people with disabilities and in community mental health facilities.”

“The settlement is a victory for the rights of workers everywhere, especially in this current climate where workers’ rights are up for grabs. The PSA and SFWU case has proven that not only are workers entitled to a decent day’s pay for a decent day’s work but they’re entitled to a decent night’s pay for a decent night’s work as well!” Payne says.

NZNO is pleased that the Government has finally agreed that quality support for the disability sector is a priority and looks forward to the offer being extended to all disability workers.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is the leading professional body of nurses and nursing union in Aotearoa New Zealand, representing over 45 000 nurses and health workers. Te Runanga o Aotearoa is the arm through which our Te Tiriti o Waitangi partnership is articulated. Our members include nurses, midwives, students, kaimahi hauora, health care workers and allied health professionals. The NZNO vision is “Freed to care, Proud to nurse”. Our members enhance the health and wellbeing of all people of Aotearoa New Zealand and are united in their professional and industrial aspirations.

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