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Support the Lifewise homecare workers facing a lockout!

  • Progress?!

      13 February 2021
    Posted by: Kirsty McCully
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    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    Update: Over the past week Lifewise has withdrawn their latest lockout notices, and agreed to a day of negotiations this Thursday.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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  • Lockout threat remains...

      5 February 2021
    Posted by: Kirsty McCully

    Kia ora all,

    As we updated you last time, Lifewise withdrew their original lockout notices because union members challenged their legality. This was a great victory!

    BUT Lifewise then issued NEW lockout notices to the workers commencing later in February! So the lockout threat remains, and it is clear that bargaining in good faith with their workforce is not happening.

    There is no good reason for Lifewise to have the threat of a lockout over their workers' heads, and no reason they shouldn't simply be able to negotiate in good faith with their workforce. It's shameful behaviour from an employer and puts everyone through unnecessary stress and hardship.

    The workers appreciate all the support they're getting from you all, and from around the country and the world.

    The workers are clear: we'll keep going until we get justice.

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  • We are off to court on Friday - wish us luck

      1 February 2021
    Posted by: Kirsty McCully

    Kia ora supporters.

    Firstly thanks to each of you for your generous donation to support the Lifewise homecare workers faced with a lockout by their employer. Your support means the world to the team of delegates and members who are standing together to win much needed change in their workplace. They only want the best for their workmates and their clients.

    Secondly, since we set this page up, we challenged Lifewise's first set of lockout notices (for Feb 2nd) which they withdrew. They then issues another 10 days' worth of lockout notices commencing February 9th. We are challenging these as well, and will go to the employment court this Friday for a hearing.

    In mediation last week, in the interests of being able to make progress on settling their Collective Agreement, workers made the offer to withdraw their strike notices if the employer withdrew their lockout notices, but Lifewise refused to do so. It is clear that this is an employer willing to starve out its workforce rather than operate in good faith with their workforce.

    So, the fight for justice continues. The workers have already taken 11 days of strike action and even though they're feeling the financial pain, they will carry on! We will let you know how Friday goes. Please do share this page with others so we can all help them to keep going!

    Meanwhile, the workers are inviting all supporters to a picnic this Wednesday 3rd Feb from 4pm at 227 Mt Eden Road. We plan to send a final loud message to Lifewise about their bullying tactics ahead of the hearing.

    Come down - all welcome.

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