Some staff have taken to the street in protest at conditions
A group of 20 Rotorua IDEA support services workers are bracing the wind and rain this morning, chanting and picketing to improve their working conditions and contracts.
The Rotorua protestors are part of 3000 workers who care for the intellectually disabled in IDEA Services residential care homes joining a nationwide strike from 7am to 11am today.
They are based at the intersection of Ranolf and Amohau Sts.
IDEA Services staff protesting in Rotorua. Photo / Samantha Olley
They first gathered at 7am and have been buoyed by constant toots from busy morning traffic.
She told the Rotorua Daily Post workers like her did not feel valued.
"We got equal pay, now they want to take conditions from us. We need things like penal rates, weekend rates, and safer working conditions."
Despite the cold and wet weather, she ensured she came along with her colleagues because "IDEA just won't talk to us in our negotiations, they've put our claims aside".
A media statement from E tū union said staff were fed up with feeling overworked and undervalued, with understaffing leaving them working long hours and needing more pay to compensate for time away from family.
IDEA Services chief operating officer Joan Cowan said although there would be some disruption to some services, IDEA had ensured people with intellectual disabilities would be safe during strike action.
"Each area has a plan in place, and anyone who has concerns or questions is encouraged to contact their local area office."
She said IDEA Services remained committed to trying to achieve a collective agreement from negotiations with the union representing staff and was listening to them.
"We have been carefully considering all demands, either financial or otherwise, and are continually balancing staff remuneration with other quality improvement priorities."
