Rest homes operator hits back at striking workers

Photo / Phil Taylor

Rest homes operator Oceania Group has criticised its striking workers for using two hours allocated to discuss the company's latest pay offer to instead rally in front of the news media.

Workers from five Auckland rest homes gathered outside the company's offices at Victoria Park in Auckland this afternoon, accompanied by members of the Labour, NZ First and Green parties.

An estimated 1500 members of the Food and Service Workers Union and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation in other parts of the country have also staged a walk-out.

Oceania Group chief executive Guy Eady said it was dissapointing that workers had chosen this time to stage their rally.

The company had agreed that staff could hold a paid meeting for two hours today to discuss the company's pay offer and get feedback on what their members would like to do next.

"It is important to the company that staff are provided with the information they need to make a decision on whether to accept the offer that has been put to them. We want business to get back to normal and our improved offer reflects our desire to do that," Mr Eady said.

Staff needed to assess the full merits of the company's offer, which was made in good faith in an attempt to resolve a difficult situation.

"We were told the stop-work meeting was for staff to discuss the new offer from the company. Instead, unions have used this time to rally outside our offices," he said.

Employees have been offered a one per cent pay rise, but are fighting for 3.5 per cent.

New Zealand Nurses Organisation spokesman David Wait said the walkout did fall under the definition of a meeting, and staff would be using the time to discuss how to proceed with the strike.

They would decide this afternoon whether to extend their nine-month industrial dispute.

"Oceania were aware of this action because we told them about it. It's a great opportunity for our members to vote on an offer if the company's prepared to make one which is acceptable," he said.

"They've chosen not to do that and they're still saying that they'll hold onto taxpayer money that was intended for the care of our elderly."