Day 273 - E Tu - Carers’ pay equity highlighted on Human Rights Day

Carers’ pay equity highlighted on Human Rights Day

Press Statement

E tū Union: Tuesday, 10 December 2024

On International Human Rights Day, E tū is calling on the Government to help fix gender-based pay discrimination by delivering pay equity for care and support workers.

E tū is the union for care and support workers, including those working in residential aged care, home support, disability support, and mental health and addictions. Over 65,000 care workers in Aotearoa New Zealand have been in a prolonged process for a pay equity settlement.

E tū Community Support Services Industry Council Convenor, Marianne Bishop, says it’s important to acknowledge the disparity on International Human Rights Day.

“The underpayment of people working in the care sector is a global issue, which reflects the undervaluation of work traditionally done by women,” Marianne says.

“In Aotearoa, we made some progress with Kristine Barlett’s historic equal pay settlement in 2017, but the pay has slipped back to near the minimum wage.

“A decent and enduring pay equity settlement is well overdue. Carers do this job because we want to make a real difference, and help people live their lives with dignity. Poor rates of pay are taking advantage of our commitment to helping people.

“By valuing care and support workers, we also show that we value the vulnerable elderly and disabled people who they care for.”

E tū National Secretary, Rachel Mackintosh, says fixing pay equity is an important human rights issue.

“Human Rights Day commemorates the anniversary of one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR),” Rachel says.

“This landmark document enshrines the rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.

“To honour our commitment to human rights, we must end gender-based pay discrimination. Aotearoa has had some significant pay equity victories, but care and support workers are still waiting – and they’re fed up.

“It comes down to a political choice. The Government has prioritised tax cuts for landlords and tobacco companies, but won’t front up to pay women fairly.

“They must choose a different path, to prioritise working people and our communities. A decent and enduring pay equity settlement would be an excellent start.”

E tū is part of the Pay Equity Coalition Aotearoa (PECA), an alliance of civil society organisations working together to bridge the gender pay gap.

Last Updated 10/10/2024

RESOURCES

• E tū
• Pay Equity Coalition Aotearoa (PECA)
• Human Rights Day
• Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

Day 102 - Scoop - Carers NZ: Govt Needs To Fund Pay Equity For Care And Support Workers Now!

Carers NZ: Govt Needs To Fund Pay Equity For Care And Support Workers Now!

Sunday, 30 June 2024, 3:44 pm

Press Release: Public Service Association

Carers NZ is calling on Health Minister Shane Reti to fully fund a fair pay equity settlement for 65,000 care and support workers.

Carers NZ is the national peak body representing more than one million New Zealanders who care for friends and family who are frail, unwell or who have health conditions or disabilities.

A strong paid support workforce is essential. Without it, more pressures fall on already stressed family carers, says Carers NZ CEO Laurie Hilsgen.

Hilsgen is speaking out ahead of National Day of Action for Pay Equity rallies to be held around the country tomorrow (Monday 1 July, details below).

She says family caregiving, like the work of paid care and support workers, has been historically undervalued because it is work carried out predominantly by women.

"The care and support sector is heavily reliant on these undervalued workers who look after our loved ones - older people, disabled whānau, people experiencing mental health or addiction, and those recovering from illness or injury.

"It’s time the value of their work was fairly recognised in the pay equity settlement that has been in train for two years.

"It’s been proven that care and support workers are being paid less than their skills, experience, and level of responsibility warrant. All that is required to fix this inequality is for the Government to set aside funding from their Budget contingency."

Without a settlement, low pay and lack of recognition will see more workers leave a sector that is already struggling, making it harder for tens of thousands of New Zealanders to receive the care and support they need, placing even more pressure on over-burdened family carers.

Hilsgen says the wellbeing of family caregivers, whose mainly unpaid work has an annual economic benefit of $17.6 billion, is the lowest in Carers NZ’s 30-year history.

"During the pandemic they did more than ever, with less support than ever. Services were disrupted and there is an ongoing shortage of support workers. Family carers are exhausted - we need a strong support workforce that is fairly paid.

"I urge everyone who can to attend a rally in support of fixing a situation that affects hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders - those who need care and members of their family whānau and aiga."

Media contact: Laurie Hilsgen, Carers NZ CEO, 021 702 922 or info@carers.net.nz

Rally details:

Nationwide rallies Monday 1 July 2024

The rallies have been organised by the three care and support unions, E tū, PSA, and NZNO.

• Auckland: 2pm at Victoria Park, Auckland CBD.

• Hamilton: 1:30pm meet at PSA office - 489 Anglesea street.

• New Plymouth: 3pm at the new E tū office: 139 Powderham street, New Plymouth Central.

• Palmerston North: 12pm at The Square/Te Marae o Hine (next to The Verdict cafe).

• Wellington: 1:30pm at Heretaunga Boating Club, 138 The Esplanade, Petone.

• Nelson: 1:30pm meet at Nelson City Council - 110 Trafalgar Street.

• Christchurch: 1:30pm at Hornby Club, 17 Carmen Road, Hornby.

• Timaru: 1:30pm - corner of Wai-Iti Road and Evans Street.

• Dunedin: 12pm outside Median Mall, 285 George Street.

• Invercargill: 1:45pm meet at E tū office, 33 Don street.

Last Updated 02/07/2024

RESOURCES

• https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/GE2406/S00141/carers-nz-govt-needs-to-fund-pay-equity-for-care-and-support-workers-now.htm

• Carers NZ

• E tū

• PSA

• NZNO

Day 90 - Scoop - Disabled New Zealanders Must Have A Seat At The Cabinet Table

Disabled New Zealanders Must Have A Seat At The Cabinet Table

NZDSN: Monday, 17 June 2024, 11:06 am

Press Release: NZDSN

Politicians and parties were challenged to give disabled New Zealanders winnable positions on party lists, and seats at the cabinet table in the opening address of the New Zealand Disability Support Network national conference this morning. 

“Disabled people have put their names forward for several political parties over the years, but too often they’ve been placed in unwinnable party lists positions,” said NZDSN CEO Peter Reynolds.

“No matter how well-intentioned, how dedicated, and how well-briefed successive Ministers for Disability Issues have been, and many of them have made creditable progress in some areas, the fact there’s not a choice of capable disabled people vying to be Minister of Disability Issues is an indictment on how inclusive of disabled people this country truly is.”

Mojo Mathers and Tracy Martin were acknowledged for their trailblazing work in Parliament and since, but delegates heard that the current Parliament aren’t representative of the needs, aspirations and historic neglect of disabled people.

“This matters to providers, because when there is not a disabled person who is respected as an advocate in the disability community around the Cabinet table, it is too easy for the impact of underfunding and neglect not to be communicated with full authenticity when it matters.”

“A society should be judged on how it treats its most vulnerable, those who can’t speak for themselves. To truly feel heard and seen we need a seat at the table,” said Peter Reynolds.

Last Updated 17/06/2024

RESOURCES

• Scoop

• Disabled New Zealanders Must Have A Seat At The Cabinet Table

• New Zealand Disability Support Network

Day 64 - NZLP - Strong Support For Disability Funding

Strong Support For Disability Funding

Wednesday, 22 May 2024, 11:42 am

Press Release: New Zealand Labour Party

Two thirds of Kiwis in a new poll want funding flexibility reinstated for disabled people and carers.

“New Zealand’s disability communities were blindsided by changes announced and implemented in March, when then-Minister for Disability Issues Penny Simmonds signed off on changes to funding flexibility that cut support without consulting anyone, then told people about it via a social media post,” Labour disabilities spokesperson Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.

“I’ve been holding meetings around the country to hear from disabled people because the Government isn’t listening. Despite changing Ministers, they’re yet to apologise or make things right.

“A poll released today by the Fairer Futures coalition, commissioned by Talbot Mills, shows two thirds or 66 per cent of Kiwis think the Government should reverse the cuts and reinstate funding flexibility for carers and disabled people.

“The numbers also suggest that 62 per cent of National Party voters support reinstating the funding, as do 69 per cent of New Zealand First voters, and 70 per cent of ACT voters.

“This reflects the huge amount of support I’ve seen and heard from people around the country for funding flexibility to be reinstated and for this government to stop isolating disabled people and the wider disability communities.

“Earlier this month when questioned, the new minister Louise Upston failed to reveal how many people were impacted by restricting funding flexibility and how much money the Government has or will actually save from these changes.

 “It’s worrying that after more than two months since this change was made, the National Government still don’t know what they actually gained from it and yet it’s clear that disability communities continue to suffer as a result.

“Disabled people and their carers are exhausted by fighting for their right to live with dignity and are increasingly anxious that the Government will make further cuts to their supports.

“I call on the Government, as I have been for many weeks now, to immediately reinstate funding flexibility for disabled people and carers and apologise to disability communities,” Priyanca Radhakrishnan said.

Last Updated 24/05/2024

RESOURCES

• Scoop Press Release

Day 64 - ActionStation - Two Thirds Of Public Want Disability Funding Reinstated - New Poll

Two Thirds Of Public Want Disability Funding Reinstated - New Poll

Wednesday, 22 May 2024, 5:08 am

Press Release: ActionStation

A new poll shows strong public backing to reinstate funding for Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People, after sudden cuts in March that restricted support for disabled people and carers.

A poll commissioned by Talbot Mills for the Fairer Future coalition found that 66% of people support fully reinstating funding for disabled people and carers, after funding flexibility was reduced for disabled people or carers, and limits were placed on equipment that could be funded.

There was majority support to reverse the changes across supporters of all political parties. 62% of National Party voters supported reinstating the funding, along with 69% of New Zealand First voters, and 70% of ACT voters.

Leading voices among the disability and carer community continue to call for the Government to reverse its March changes, and to restore fully flexible funding.

Mojo Mathers, chief executive of the Disabled Persons Assembly, says: "These results should give Government the confidence that there is strong support right across the political spectrum to immediately reverse the restrictions on disability support funding and ensure it is properly resourced going forwards."

Nick Stoneman, disability navigator with the NZ Disability Advisory Trust, adds: "The poll shows the Government has got the sentiment wrong with the funding restrictions, which are part of an avalanche of cruel measures that they have taken. I also don't have confidence in the panel set up to review Whaikaha - which has no disabled people on it - and the Government needs to do much better at listening to disabled people.”

Colleen Brown, of Disability Connect and the Child Poverty Action Group, states: "This Government is having a crack at everyone who is marginalised, and these decisions are having a cumulative impact, disproportionately affecting Māori children in particular. Carers have been left fearful and confused after these changes, and have lost a lot of hope, and the Government must act urgently to reverse these changes."

Mel Smith, chief executive of CCS Disability Action, says: "Disabled people and their families have been promised a disability support system where they have greater choice and control over their supports and lives for decades. This is called Enabling Good Lives. This poll shows that many Kiwis agree that the restrictions introduced earlier this year aren't fair. We are calling on the Government to meet the promise Whaikaha was founded on, to deliver a transformed, well-funded disability support system that enables all New Zealanders to have the opportunity to thrive."

The poll comes after 52 organisations from the disability sector and beyond signed an open letter calling on Ministers Upston and Willis to reverse the funding restrictions and equitably resource disability support across the whole of government.

The Fairer Future coalition is made up of anti-poverty groups such as the Child Poverty Action Group and Auckland Action Against Poverty, unions, disability advocacy groups, children's advocacy groups such as Barnardos and Save the Children, and others.

The coalition will host a People's Press Conference on Thursday 23 May at 10am (on Zoom), showcasing the voices of the disabled community, sole parents, low-wage workers, and Kāinga Ora tenants, among others, ahead of the Budget on 30 May.

Last Updated 03/06/2024

RESOURCES

• Press Statement on Scoop

• The survey was of 1000 people

Day 56 - DPA Media Release: 52 organisations back call for ministers to reverse disability funding cuts

DPA: May 14, 2024

Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA) has released an open letter that calls on ministers Upston and Willis to fully reverse the 18 March disability support restrictions and ensure disabled people have the resources and the flexibility needed to thrive.

The letter is signed by 52 organisations representing disabled people, families, whānau and carers, as well as disability support providers, faith-based organisations, and welfare advocacy groups.

DPA Chief Executive Mojo Mathers says the breadth of support for this call from right across the disability sector should give Ministers Upston and Willis the confidence they need to take decisive action in advance of the Whaikaha independent review findings.

“For too long, much of the support for disabled people has been piecemeal, inequitable, and has not served our community well.

“Now is the time for Government to reverse support and service restrictions that are holding disabled people and our community back.

“With this letter, we ask Government to demonstrate it values disabled people and their families, whānau and carers as key members of our communities in Aotearoa.” 

-Ends-

For more information contact:

Mojo Mathers, Chief Executive, Disabled Persons Assembly NZ (DPA)

chiefexecutive@dpa.org.nz | phone: 027 238 5811

Quotes from signatories

PSA Deaf and Disability Committee

“What we choose to fund is about what we choose to value. Successive governments have severely underfunded services, equipment, and programs that remove barriers for disabled people to participate fully in our communities and direct our lives.

Timothy Keats – timothy.keats@psa.org.nz

Complex Care Group

“Complex Care Group supports families caring for those with intensive health and disability support needs. Government is failing to recognise the intensely demanding caring role performed by families.  There needs to be an increase in investment for the wellbeing of carers and a return of flexibility and choices for respite.”

Lisa Martin, Director

complexcaregroup@xtra.co.nz | phone: 027 266 7690

New Zealand Disability Support Network

“Unfortunately, we’re experiencing the impact of years of under-investment in disability support. Hundreds of thousands of disabled New Zealanders and their families are feeling uncertain about their future right now - they deserve to be valued and treated fairly, the government needs to step in and sort this mess out.”

Peter Reynolds, CEO

ceo@nzdsn.org.nz | phone: 04 473 4678 | mobile: 027 534 6472

About Disabled Persons Assembly NZ

DPA works to drive systemic change through leadership, advice and advocacy.

We are a not-for-profit, pan-impairment Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) run by and for disabled people. Currently, more than 90% of our staff identify as disabled.

We have regional, national and international relationships with disabled people and disability organisations, and we are one of the six DPO's that make up the DPO Coalition. Since our formation in 1983, DPA has advocated for systemic change for the equity of disabled people in all areas of life.

Last Updated 14/05/2024

RESOURCES

• Read the Open letter – Enable disabled people, family and whānau to thrive (PDF)

• Read a text only version of the Open letter – Enable disabled people, family and whānau to thrive

Media - Scoop

Scoop is a New Zealand Internet news site run by Scoop Media Limited, part of the Scoop Media Cartel.

Owner: Scoop Media Limited

Editor: Alastair Thompson

Commercial: Yes

Launched: 1999; 25 years ago

Submissions: Press releases may be emailed to Scoop

Instructions: https://www.scoop.co.nz/about/submit.html

RESOURCES

• www.scoop.co.nz

• List of articles and programmes about the cuts

• Wikipedia

Day 15 - IComPA - Statement by The Institute of Community Psychologists Aotearoa

Statement by The Institute of Community Psychologists Aotearoa

https://www.facebook.com/CommunityPsychologyinAotearoa

Issued 2 April 2024

The Institute of Community Psychologists Aotearoa (IComPA) is highly concerned about the mental health and well-being impacts on disabled people, their families, and their communities from the 18 March announcement by Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People and the subsequent government response.

Statement in full:

As an Institute of the New Zealand Psychological Society, IComPA is deeply concerned about the wider impacts of the reduction in flexibility and available disability supports for disabled people and their families.

The announced changes on 18 March 2024 to both Purchasing Rules and the Equipment and Modification Services and the subsequent responses in the House at Question Time on 19 March and 28 March, have significant long term negative impacts on the wellbeing of disabled people and their families. The wellbeing of disabled people, their whānau, and caregivers is collectively bound up together. We cannot separate out the wellbeing of parents from their children, and vice versa.

As registered psychologists, we are deeply concerned about the impact that the restriction of flexibility will have on the psychological wellbeing of disabled people and their families. There are already reports of parents feeling suicidal, overwhelmed, and unable to cope.

We call for the immediate restoration of both flexibility and of funding for Equipment and Modification Services for families so that disabled people and their families can purchase adaptive equipment and respite items in a manner that benefits themselves and their families.

As community psychologists we are in full support of the Enabling Good Lives principles. These principles align with community psychology values and principles. We acknowledge all the work over the past two decades by the disability community to implement Enabling Good Lives in practice.

IComPA wish to acknowledge that parents and whānau work hard, go without, and are deeply invested in the wellbeing of their disabled child/family member. Their funding allocations are typically used for items that benefit their disabled child, give themselves a break, and enable the family to function. Parents and whānau need flexibility in their disability supports to meet the unique needs of their family.

IComPA acknowledges the concluding observations from the United Nations International Monitoring Mechanism regarding the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in New Zealand, in particular the lack of suitable respite services in point 39.

IComPA supports the “whole of life” approach as outlined in the New Zealand Disability Strategy 2016-2026. The associated outcomes directly align with ensuring that disabled people and their families have self-determination with their allocated funding.

Ends.

RESOURCES

• www.psychology.org.nz

Day 3 - NZSTA - New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association expresses deep concern over Whaikaha’s changes to disability support funding

New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association expresses deep concern over Whaikaha’s changes to disability support funding

Media Release from the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA)

Thursday 21 March 2024, 10:13 AM

Undoctored

The New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association (NZSTA) is deeply troubled by the changes Whaikaha, the Ministry for Disabled People, has made to the Purchasing Rules for disability support funding.

Effective from Monday, March 18, 2024, Whaikaha has changed how individuals can utilise their disability support funding.

The changes affect Individualised Funding, Enhanced Individualised Funding, Choice in Community Living, Personal Budgets, and Carer Support.

Whaikaha says the changes will not reduce the total amount of funding allocated to disabled individuals or carers.

But NZSTA says they will still have significant implications for disabled individuals and their families.

The association says stipulating what can be bought with disability support funding potentially creates unacceptable gatekeeping of essential supports and services crucial for the well-being and independence of disabled individuals.

“These changes could effectively restrict a person’s essential healthcare rights,” says the co-president of the NZSTA, Emma Quigan.

“They may mean that a disabled person can no longer engage a speech-language therapist, for example, because that support has been turned down by a government agency.”

Quigan says access to speech therapy should be determined by individual needs, not administrative barriers.

The NZSTA understands every dollar spent must generate maximum value for disabled people.

However, it is essential to balance this objective with the diverse needs and aspirations of individuals with disabilities.

The Association urges Whaikaha to consult carefully with disabled people and tāngata whaikaha Māori to ensure their voices are heard and their needs adequately addressed.

The NZSTA also wants Whaikaha to reconsider the impact of these changes and to work collaboratively with stakeholders to find solutions that uphold the rights and dignity of disabled individuals across New Zealand.

“The criteria outlined by Whaikaha for using disability support funding, including the emphasis on supporting individuals in living a good life and the principles of reasonableness and cost-effectiveness, are commendable,” Quigan says.

“However, we must ensure these criteria do not inadvertently create barriers to accessing vital supports and services.”

As an organisation committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of individuals with communication and swallowing difficulties, the NZSTA stands ready to contribute to this dialogue and support the needs of our diverse community.

RESOURCES

• https://speechtherapy.org.nz