July 03, 2024
Care workers beating heart of health
![Watermark](/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/logo-4.png)
![](https://waateanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/mntBLOCKSTORAGEhomemasternews_importersrcpay-equity-PSA-1.jpg_1_Pub-1.jpg)
Carers say it’s time for them to be paid their worth.
They’re calling for Health Mister Shane Reti to fully fund a settlement for their pay equity claim, which has been dragging on for two years.
Laurie Hilsgen, the chief executive of Carers New Zealand, says the 65,000 care workers are vital support for some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable people and their families,
“The whole community care area is the beating heart of health in New Zealand. It’s where most care in New Zealand is delivered, be it by family, whanau or paid workers and we need them to be strong. If they’re strong, we’re strong. If they’re struggling, we’re struggling. It’s as simple as that,” she says.
Ms Hilgsen says too often she’s seen ministers looking for easy wins which won’t cost money, but Dr Reti should go for a big win which will leave a legacy in the support family and whanau receive.