Support the Lifewise homecare workers facing a lockout!

$3,088 donated

Given by 58 generous donors in 4 weeks

Lifewise plans to lock out homecare workers & employ others to do their work until they quit the union or are forced back to work.

Auckland

Lifewise homecare workers provide care and support to the elderly and those with disability in Auckland. Lifewise (which is a part of the Methodist Church) is planning to lockout its workforce in response to members strike action to win decent jobs with fair hours and improved sick and bereavement leave. Low paid care workers shouldn’t have to go on strike in New Zealand to win hours they can survive on, or to know when they will be working from week to week, but the homecare sector is broken and these workers are bearing the brunt of it. Now, a ruthless employer, usually known for its good work in the community, is pushing its own workforce to the poverty line with a lockout which would see workers without income for two weeks. Lifewise are planning to lock out their own workers and employ others to cover their work until their workers either leave the union or are forced back to work. This is not just a challenge to these unionized home support workers but to the rights of all unionized workers. Support the Lifewise workers in their fight for decent jobs and justice in their workplace!

Use of funds

Funds will be distributed to homecare workers to support them financially to pay their rent and bills and continue their struggle for a fair deal at Lifewise.

Progress?! 13 February 2021

Posted by: Kirsty McCully

Kia ora supporters!

Firstly thanks for the ongoing and epic support - the Lifewise workers have lost thousands of dollars (some up to half their pay each pay cycle while they've been taking action) and your contributions have meant they can keep up the fight and stand strong during their strike action and possible lockout. The support from clients, families, our community has been awesome.

Update: Over the past week Lifewise has withdrawn their latest lockout notices, and agreed to a day of negotiations this Thursday. This seems to show things are heading in the right direction, but we will keep you posted as to the outcome and next steps. There is still the possibility that we will need to call on you again in the event this isn't resolved or if Lifewise issues more lockout notices after Thursday.

Workers are keeping up the fight for a fair deal, and this Wednesday 17th Feb at midday they will picket outside Auckland Hospital (2 Park Road Grafton) because the DHB (whose offices are on site) can take action to help resolve this and ensure their contracted providers are operating in good faith with their workforce. Ultimately the health and wellbeing of our elders will suffer while this dispute drags on, and the ADHB can help bring it to a close. Come along and support these wonderful women standing up for change.

https://www.facebook.com/events/180690583408718

We will keep you posted after Thursday.

Nga mihi nui.

On behalf of the delegates and homecare workers at Lifewise.

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