PACT workers put employer on notice of industrial action

Members of the Service and Food Workers Union Ngā Ringa Tota employed by mental health and intellectual disabilities provider PACT have provided their employer with formal notice of industrial action.

The workers, based in Dunedin, Hokitika, Greymouth, Oamaru and Balclutha voted to take industrial action to shift their employer from a 1% pay offer at meetings a fortnight ago. PACT also employs PSA members in Invercargill, who have also voted to take action.

Industrial action will begin on 20 October. Initially workers will refuse to undertake a range of paperwork duties. Members have endorsed further actions to follow, with decisions on the nature of those actions to be made by delegates.

Union representatives and PACT will now attend mediation on 17 October.

SFWU organiser Ann Galloway said workers would much prefer to avoid industrial action and looked forward to mediation as the last opportunity for the employer to value and respect their workforce with a reasonable offer.

“These workers are deeply committed to their work and their clients,” she said. “However they are feeling undervalued and frustrated by their employer. One per cent simply does not recognise their hard work, skills and contribution.”

Ann Galloway said the contribution of PACT workers, supporting some of the most vulnerable in their communities, was recognised by the wider community.

“Last Friday union members launched a community campaign and we are inviting members of the public to sign letters calling on PACT to value the contribution of their workforce. Well over 100 Dunedin people have signed letters already and we expect many hundreds more to sign in all the areas where our members work and contribute to their communities.”

Ann Galloway said members sought a pay rise recognising the 5.3% cost of living increase.

“Our members are willing to negotiate but there has been no negotiation from PACT.”

ENDS

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