ACC union members protest in Hamilton
By journalism students Mercy Chepkoech, Aysha Finlay and Ronella Felizardo
A one-hour strike to bring attention to the pay and conditions for ACC workers took place outside the organisation’s central Hamilton office in Tristram Street offices yesterday, August 12.
Public Services Association (PSA) Organiser, Tauia MacDonald said the group stopped for an hour between 11am and 12pm, as part of a nationwide day of action which included protests in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
MacDonald said “the ongoing workload, and the miniscule pay offer from ACC” were two main issues for workers, and that the union has provided affordable options for remuneration to ACC.
In a media release announcing the continuation of strike action, the PSA said a recent survey of their members at ACC found more than half (58%) were looking for jobs with better pay, with the cost of living over the last six months having “a significant impact on almost all respondents”.
ACC Deputy Chief Executive People and Culture, Lisa Hansen said they are still engaged in collective bargaining with the PSA and the offer to date “includes a deliberate decision to prioritise those who are currently paid lower in their pay band”.
Hansen said and that the approach also reflects the need “to manage within a fiscally constrained environment”.
MacDonald said there were 150 PSA members at the Hamilton office being represented on the day by the group of protesters. He said while many of their members work from home, some were also “really quite frightened to be shown publicly out here demonstrating their democratic right to strike.”
Drivers passing responded with a steady stream of horn blasts throughout the hour getting cheers from the group. MacDonald said was “pretty cool to know that people are recognising that workers are out here taking this action”.
He indicated that strike action would likely escalate as part of the nationwide campaign.
Hansen stated that the organisation would continue to negotiate with the PSA in good faith.
