The decision came a day after a 100-strong hīkoi in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, by workers and unions to Bupa’s head office in Newmarket; and following 25 protests nationwide since the proposal was announced on February 17.
Workers have spoken out about the impact of the cuts on their families and residents. Some staff would lose up to eight hours a week or more, as well as having to work rotating rosters — and this would impact the vulnerable people they cared for.
‘I’m here for the residents and I can see the decline, the loneliness, the loss of care.’
And today, after hearing of the decision, delegate Epenesa Mutimuti said many were likely to leave — including her.
“We are tired, we’ve had enough,” she told Kaitiaki. “I’m here for the residents and I can see the decline, the loneliness, the loss of care.”
‘These reductions mean we lose and they get to fill their bellies and sleep well at night.’
On the hīkoi this week, one worker from Bupa’s Sunset home in Blockhouse Bay said Bupa didn’t seem to care about its people.
“Our needs are continually ignored. How are we going to put food on our table with our hours cut?”
She said workers wouldn’t be able to provide for their families. “These reductions mean we lose and they get to fill their bellies and sleep well at night. When are they going to start looking after us, so we can look after those who need us?”
Another from Bupa’s Glenburn home in Auckland said she was marching on behalf of workers who couldn’t afford to take time off to attend.
‘Our residents are like family to us so we really do care about each other — it’s shameful that Bupa doesn’t.’
“They really wanted to be here but because they have had their hours cut they can’t come. Bupa doesn’t care about anyone, not us, not our residents,” she said.
“Our residents are like family to us so we really do care about each other — it’s shameful that Bupa doesn’t”.
Bupa’s response
Despite the protests, Bupa decided on April 2 decided to go ahead with its proposed changes, with some amendments.
“As a result of feedback during the consultation process, changes have been made to some start and finish times and in some instances alternative roster patterns have been adopted,” a spokesperson said in a written statement.
Bupa said overall, total care hours would increase.
‘When are they going to start looking after us so we can look after those who need us?’
More photos from the Bupa hīkoi:
“Change is challenging . . . Our focus is on continuing to support our people to work through their preferences in the new system.”
But workers say the amendments are minor.
NZNO is encouraging Bupa staff to fill out health and safety incident forms every time their workplace is understaffed and complete NZNO’s confidential online reporting form every time there is short-staffing that means missed breaks, showers or care and time for residents.
