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PSA welcomes notice of extra funding
MEDIA STATEMENT
ATTENTION: News Editors and Chief
Reporters
21 February 2007
PSA welcomes notice of
extra funding for disability support
The PSA
welcomes confirmation by Health Minister Pete Hodgson that
the Government will announce additional funding for
disability support services in the upcoming
Budget.
‘The extra funding must be tagged to
improving pay and conditions for some of the lowest paid
workers in New Zealand,’ National Secretary Richard
Wagstaff said. ‘This funding must not be diverted into
profits or other spending.’
The PSA is currently
in negotiations with employers for new Collective Agreements
for workers in the sector, which have proved
difficult.
‘These workers have big
responsibilities in maintaining the well-being and safety of
vulnerable New Zealanders. Members have had to take action,
including pickets, and strike action has not been ruled
out.’
Mr Wagstaff said the Minister’s
confirmation of additional funding adds weight to the
argument that workers deserve a decent pay increase in the
current bargaining round.
‘Our expectation is for
significant extra funding from Government given that our
members who provide essential services for people with
disabilities have had to put up with low pay and poor
conditions for too
long.’
Ends
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