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More than 1000 workers who care for disabled people in residential care homes have cancelled strike action this week to consider a revised pay offer.
Public Service Association (PSA) national secretary Richard Wagstaff said PSA members voted to cancel the rolling strike action after their employer, Healthcare New Zealand, said it would make an improved pay offer which would provide for movements to pay rates.
The workers are seeking a pay increase of approximately $1.50 an hour.
PSA negotiators would meet with Healthcare New Zealand this week, Mr Wagstaff said.
The workers were well overdue for a decent pay rise and improvements in their conditions, he said.
"These members are expected to provide support for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, yet they are also some of the lowest paid in the country. They could earn more money working in supermarkets."
Health minister Pete Hodgson had also recently confirmed there would be more money for this sector allocated in the next budget.
Mr Wagstaff said it was essential that it was not siphoned off into profits and other spending.
"Employers throughout the industry need to address issues of recruitment, retention and decent pay with urgency, as workers are now losing patience with the lack of progress in this area."
- NZPA
