By Mike Bain, – The Daily Examiner.

Nearly 1,000 support workers from Access Community Health, one of New Zealand’s largest home support companies, joined other unions yesterday as their contribution to May Day, International Workers’ Day.

The two hour strike coincided with industrial action by senior doctors and perioperative nurses at Auckland City Hospital.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, Access Community Health workers have overwhelmingly voted to strike.

Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi assistant secretary Melissa Woolley explains the reasons behind this decision:

• No Pay Increase: Workers have not received a pay rise in nearly two years, despite increased public funding for the company.
• Clawbacks on Conditions: The employer has proposed 90-day trials, reduced sick leave, and removed qualification pay steps, undermining the 2017 Care and Support Worker Pay Equity Settlement.

Most support workers are paid minimum wage or slightly above, leaving them feeling undervalued despite their essential role in healthcare.

Who Are the Support Workers?

Support workers provide in-home care for vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, those with mobility issues, and people recovering from surgery. Their duties include:

• Using hoist equipment to lift clients.
• Managing hygiene and administering medication.
• Providing personal care and liaising with healthcare professionals.

There are approximately 65,000 care workers in New Zealand, many of whom face similar challenges. The strike will directly affect thousands of clients who rely on these services for daily living.

Pay Rates and Challenges

The average pay for care workers in New Zealand is slightly above the minimum wage, around $22 per hour.

However, many workers feel this does not reflect the physical and emotional demands of their job.

An anonymous Access Community Health worker shared their frustration:

“We are paid minimum wage to deliver essential care, 24/7 and 365 days a year. Our phones are always ringing because our employer cannot attract and retain staff at their current pay rates.”

Political Reactions

The strike has drawn attention from political parties and advocacy groups. Some have expressed solidarity with the workers, calling for better funding and fair pay in the healthcare sector. Others have criticized the government for failing to address systemic issues in healthcare. The Public Service Association has emphasized the need for urgent reforms to ensure sustainable working conditions.

The strike is part of a broader movement within New Zealand’s healthcare system. Senior doctors and perioperative nurses  also went out on strike underscoring the widespread dissatisfaction among health professionals.

“The fact that Access workers are all taking industrial action yesterday alongside senior doctors and perioperative nurses really highlights how broken the system is,” said Melissa Woolley.

Support workers are essential to the healthcare system, yet their contributions often go unrecognized. As one worker put it:

“The sad thing is that while we are burnt out, we know that if we don’t provide the care then no-one will. At the end of the day, our clients are the ones that miss out.”

“The strike by Access Community Health workers is a powerful reminder of the need to value and support those who care for the most vulnerable members of society.

As New Zealand grapples with healthcare challenges, the voices of these workers must be heard.”