The deal we got has meant I can keep up with the cost of living. [It means the] wider union members are now off the minimum wage and at least on the living wage. —allied health worker

Over a two-week period from May to June this year, successful strike action was undertaken by PSA’s Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical Collective Agreement, closing a deal that brings them closer to pay equity. 

More than 10,000 workers participated in these actions involving “work to rule” strikes and a full withdrawal of labour for 24 hours. Shortly after, the PSA received a new offer that saw wage increases of between 5% - 15% with further increases yet to be delivered, as well as substantial agreements around the Allied Pay Equity claim (Read here for more details). This offer was accepted with 87% of the total membership voting, and over 95% voting in favour. 

Union members positively react to the deal as the resulting benefits lift members’ wages up from the minimum closer to a living wage which means improving their living standards. As shared by one of the allied health members, "the deal we got has meant I can keep up with the cost of living and means some of my colleagues and wider union members are now off the minimum wage and at least on the living wage."

It allows workers to pay off their debts and not incur more debts. Overall, it improves the quality of life of workers and their families. A social worker in the union shared, "It means my extremely sporty daughter can do what she loves. It means I don't have to take out a loan to pay for braces. It means I can save for things that I want. It means I'm not working to just scrape by. "

It means I'm not working to just scrape by. —allied health social worker

During this action from May to June 2022, the PSA invested significant resource and energy into the “We Are Allied” campaign, which was successful in uniting a very disparate member group into one movement. Over the course of this campaign, the Allied membership of the PSA increased by around 2000, and members have subsequently reported that the campaign has resulted in greater understanding of, and participation in the union.

First strike in seven years

The strike action was the first time in seven years for the Allied workforce. Strike action came after 20 months of collective bargaining failed to reach an agreement on a fair pay adjustment for members. The bargaining environment was significantly complicated by the announcement of a ‘Public Sector Wage Restraint’ policy in 2020, which saw the Government attempt to cap all public sector wage increases.

Orange movement vs the strike injunction

In March 2022 New Zealand’s District Health Boards took the unprecedented step of seeking and securing an injunction to prevent planned strike action from going ahead. This was due to the untested argument that the PSA was seeking to conflate wage claims with Pay Equity claims, which is not supported under New Zealand legislation. The PSA is currently challenging this interim ruling and we believe we have a strong case to strike the injunction down.

But more than [the benefits], I have learnt how to get out of my comfort zone... to fight for what we deserve and to make change happen. —allied health worker

Although the strike was injuncted, this action only served to provide the spark that lit the fire in Allied Health workers. Following the injunction, thousands of members became more actively involved in the campaign for fair pay, spurring the movement to greater heights. Activities members took part in included morning and evening pickets, letter writing, placard making and lobbying MPs. Notably the campaign made strong use of the colour orange, using “Orange Fridays’ as an opportunity to spread the word (and give members the opportunity for some fun) and distributing orange merchandise around members.

Bigger and stronger alliance

The successful campaign ultimately strengthened the alliance, increased union participation and forged greater solidarity among the allied workers. Members attest that they feel "stronger and very proud to be part of the Orange Movement" as the process was an opportunity to connect, make friends while they "work together to achieve important improvements for our members". The process was indeed as important as the benefits they gained from the deal: "But more than [the benefits], I have learnt how to get out of my comfort zone through the duration of this campaign and to stand up in action to fight for what we deserve. How to make a better environment to work in and to make change happen, not just to wait for it to happen," according to a union member.

During this action from May to June 2022, the PSA invested significant resource and energy into the “We Are Allied” campaign, which was successful in uniting a very disparate member group into one movement. Over the course of this campaign, the Allied membership of the PSA increased by around 2000, and members have subsequently reported that the campaign has resulted in greater understanding of, and participation in the union.