MEDIA RELEASE
ATTENTION: INDUSTRIAL AND HEALTH REPORTERS
140 Care Givers and Nurses to Walk off the Job for 48 hours:
Last minute discussions today between the Unions (NUPE and NZNO) and Brackenridge Estate (ex Templeton Centre) have
failed to prevent the strike commencing at 7am tomorrow.
“The new offer was a repackaging of the same money. The new offer would have seen a longer term than originally offered,
a marginal increase for some and less money than previously offered for others.” says Janice Gemmell NUPE Organiser
“The strike scheduled to commence tomorrow at 7:00 am will proceed as planned” said Janice Gemmell. The strike action is
scheduled to take place from 7:00am on Friday 11th through to 7:00am on Sunday 13th January. There will be a complete
withdrawal of labour over this period.”
The Unions have been in discussions with Brackenridge to ensure Life preserving Services over this period. “Staff hold
the residents care and wellbeing as their highest priority” says Janice Gemmell
“Staff want to be paid a decent hourly rate and be valued for the incredibly important work they do. If this Labour
Government and the Ministry of Health genuinely care and value the Intellectual Disability sector then they must fund it
properly ensuring that decent rates of pay can be paid to the workers” says Janice Gemmell.
Brackenridge receives most of its funding from the Ministry of Health who has recently frozen funding increases to this
sector.
There will be a picket at Brackenridge from 6.30 am on the 11th of January which will remain for the duration of the
strike.
“Many families of residents have contacted staff stating they will be joining them on the picket line” says Janice
Gemmell.
Brackenridge Estate is at 150 Maddisons Road Templeton
Head South out of Christchurch and turn Right off the Main South Road at Templeton – Kirk Rd – and then left down
Maddisons Rd
ENDS