Care and Support Worker: Update October 2023
Key points
You can read background information on the original claim, here.
An agreement was reached on underpayment, but funders cannot guarantee they will cover the costs of this correction.
Employers can only agree to enter into formal bargaining after confirmation of government funding availability.
We are continue to work constructively and with urgency for a timely pay equity settlement despite legislative and funding delays.
What is happening now?
The unions and 15 employers, including CCS Disability Action, have been working closely with the Government since the pay equity claim was filed. There are nine different Government funders involved in the claim to work out how a settlement might be reached.
The pay equity process between the unions and employers has established that care and support workers are currently being underpaid.
All unions and all named employers agreed to correct the range of undervaluation established, subject to government making sufficient funding available. They were ready to proceed to bargaining to enable the claim to be settled for all care and support workers.
What comes next?
The next step in the pay equity process is formal bargaining.
Before formal bargaining starts, employers and unions need to know that there is enough money set aside by the government to pay all care and support workers at an agreed rate that corrects the undervaluation.
Unfortunately, government funding agencies have questioned stages of the pay equity process that had already been agreed and have raised questions about the funding needed. This has delayed progress on a settlement.
Employers and unions are now waiting for a response from government funders. It is likely there will now be some delay due to the General Election.
What does this mean for care and support workers?
The unions and employers continue to meet regularly to continue pre-bargaining and plans for settlement. They would like to work through all the issues so that when bargaining begins, it can happen quickly and easily.
Employers and unions are disappointed that the government funders have delayed the process. They will continue to ask for the pay equity process to be progressed urgently.
You might see or hear members of peak bodies, unions, named employers talking about this in the media. This is because these groups are working together to keep the pressure on for a sector-wide pay equity agreement.
Unlike most workers, pay rates for care and support workers are set in legislation. The current legislation is set to continue until 31 December 2023. The employers and unions are working hard to give care and support workers some certainty, as soon as possible.
Employers and unions recognise that care and support workers are currently being underpaid. Once a pay equity settlement is reached, it is hoped it can be applied and then extended to the wider sector as early as possible. Named employers, unions and peak bodies will be working hard to make this happen.
Who can I talk to for information?
If you have any questions or would like any further information please contact Kate Single – Kate.Single@ccsDisabilityAction.org.nz