CHT Healthcare is a regional aged-care chain based primarily in Auckland and with facilities in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions. We have a multi-union collective agreement (MUCA) in place here, covering approximately 250 union members. We have had two days of negotiations recently, but were unfortunately not able to settle a proposed CA. We have claimed 15 days’ sick leave, beginning from an employee’s appointment, but this is proving hard to get agreement on.
Our members at CHT have dealt first-hand with COVID-19 this year – St Margaret’s Hospital and Rest Home in Te Atatū is a CHT site and was one of five coronavirus clusters in aged care earlier this year. Four residents died and seven staff were infected, with a further 11 probable cases. Members have been well supported by the employer, with paid leave being provided when staff are required to self-isolate. In some instances, CHT has also paid for accommodation in order to support staff to continue working when they have vulnerable family members at home. We appreciate CHT’s commitment on these issues and are hopeful this compassionate approach leads to some movement on our sick leave claim and the settlement of a positive CA this year.
Report back meetings will be held across CHT facilities later this month/early December to discuss how we can work collectively to progress our claims.
