Media Release Attached and Below:

Law Changes Make Life Better for Working Women

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is delighted that legislation was passed last night to provide for breaks for women to breast feed at work and also the requirement of meal breaks at work for all workers.

Cee Payne, Organising Services Manager says “Nursing is a female dominated workforce and having decent work practices that recognise the responsibilities women have to nurture their children work positively to attract and retain women in the health workforce.”

“Safe staffing is one of the most critical issues facing the health workforce and everything that can be done needs to be done to protect and provide for our countries health workforce needs. We are proud that the government has taken such a proactive approach to support working women.”

“Providing for meal breaks in law is essential to ensure healthy workers and good patient care. Some of our most vulnerable members work in the private sector and receive only the legal minimum in their terms and conditions of employment. These workers are not covered by collective agreements and as such need the security of a law that allows them to take regular meal breaks. The opportunity to have a break is one of safety for patients and workers.” Said Payne.

ENDS

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