CTU supports striking aged care workers

The Council of Trade Unions is today lending its support to striking Guardian Healthcare workers. Members of the Service & Food Workers Union and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation began a 24 hour strike at 7am this morning, after their employer refused to make a new offer and cancelled scheduled negotiation talks. "Aged care workers are paid a pittance for the essential work they do in our communities" said Ross Wilson, President of the Council of Trade Unions. "They do work of enormous value, and there is strong community support for paying these workers at a better level."

"Unions are arguing for a minimum of $11 an hour for caregivers and up to $14. Guardian is a profitable overseas company and there is no reason why they cannot deliver on better pay for their staff. This is another example of corporate exploitation of low paid workers."

"Today's striking workers are campaigning for a fair share ? both for themselves and for the elderly people they support," said Ross Wilson. "The community recognises the importance and value of aged care work, and its time Guardian Healthcare did so as well ? and pay their workers at a respectable level."