Staff at Summerset Avonford and Summerset Cavendish in Chrischurch will picket outside their respective aged residential care homes over fewer staff being rostered on the weekends.
About 30 union members of Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO and E tū will walk off the job from 2.30pm-3.30pm today (20 April) and tomorrow (21 April).
Seventeen Summerset Care homes also recently cut shifts and reduced staffing numbers.
If the proposed cuts go ahead, many caregivers will lose working hours and face significant changes to their shift patterns. These changes create serious challenges, particularly for those with family and childcare responsibilities, making it difficult for them to continue working at Summerset.
These roster changes not only impact staff wellbeing but also risk compromising the quality and consistency of care provided to residents if experienced caregivers and nurses are forced to reduce their hours.
Today
When: 2.30pm-3.30pm, Monday 20 April
Where: Summerset at Avonhead Retirement Village
120 Hawthornden Road, Avonhead, Christchurch
Tomorrow
When: 2.30pm-3.30pm, Tuesday 21 April
Where: Summerset on Cavendish
147 Cavendish Road, Casebrook, Christchurch
Media are invited to attend the pickets. Photo, video and interview opportunities will be available.