The union representing thousands of largely part-time
workers who provide care for vulnerable people in our
community is urging the Government to retain the current
sick leave provisions.
The Government today launched a
review of the Holidays Act and is considering pro-rating
sick leave entitlements ‘to better reflect how much an
employee works’.
“This is just unfair and will
penalise thousands of women, many of whom work part-time
caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our
community,” said Kerry Davies, National Secretary for the
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga
Mahi.
“It shouldn’t matter if you are part-time or
full-time – sickness doesn’t discriminate.”
Home
support worker Eleanor Keepa works around 20 hours a week in
Auckland. She opposes any change to sick leave, which was
doubled to 10 days by the last government.
“My sick
leave could just go up and down and I could end up going to
work sick as I couldn’t afford not to work. They tell us
not to go to work sick but when you are on a low income you
can’t afford to take leave. Taking annual leave when you
are sick would be unfair – we all need holidays.”
The
PSA said the Government is once again bowing to pressure
from business and moving at pace to solve a problem that
just doesn’t exist.
“A minimum of 10 days sick leave
made good sense for businesses and employers – nobody should
be forced to go to work sick, particularly in residential
facilities and hospitality,” said Kerry Davies. “With COVID
still amongst us, why rush a change like this?
“It
appears the Government is intent on limited fast track
consultation that currently excludes any mention of
consultation with unions. That is not
consultation.
“We will be advocating strongly to make
sure workers who are sick can rest and get well and protect
vulnerable
clients.”
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
© Scoop Media
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading