https://themilitant.com/2019/07/13/new-zealand-workers-who-care-for-disabled-strike-for-contract/
New Zealand workers who care for disabled strike for contract
??By Annalucia Vermunt
Vol. 83/No. 26
July 22, 2019
AUCKLAND, New Zealand ??? More than a dozen IDEA Services workers picketed
the South Auckland regional office here June 23, part of a 24-hour
nationwide strike against the division of IHC. IDEA (Intellectual
Disability Empowerment in Action) Services contracts to work with adults
of all ages with intellectual disabilities by providing personal care,
household chores, vocational aid and other activities. This is done in
more than 600 supervised care homes and in court-ordered compulsory care
facilities.
This is the seventh strike taken by some 3,000 members of E tu union
since their contract fight began eight months ago. One major issue is
premium pay on weekends. ???We want the company to recognize that the
normal workweek is Monday to Friday, not Monday to Sunday, and that
weekend work should be rewarded,??? Dawn Kopa, an E tu shop steward who???s
worked for the company 17 years, told the Militant.
Other issues are higher pay for senior support workers and the
protection of key health and safety rights. They are also resisting IDEA
Services bosses??? demands for more flexibility over workers??? schedules.
???For me the central question is respect,??? said Virginia Sarich, a shop
steward for those working in compulsory care homes.
On the Picket Line
Are you involved in a union organizing drive or strike? Brought
solidarity to fellow workers on the picket line? Let us know! Send
articles, photos and letters to themilitant@xxxxxxx or through our
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On the Picket Line ???Airport, catering workers say, ???One job should be
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???New Zealand workers who care for disabled strike for contract
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25, 50 and 75 years ago
?? Copyright 2019 The Militant?? -?? 306 W. 37th Street, 13th floor -?? New
York, NY 10018?? -?? themilitant@xxxxxx
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Voltaire
??? Those who can make you believe absurdities, can make you commit atrocities.
???
??? Voltaire,
