Issues raised by unhappy residential care staff at Rendell on Reed rest-home in Oamaru are being worked through, facility director Paul Renwick says.
Mr Renwick, of Wellington, is a director of HIL Management Services Ltd, which acquired the home last year.
Service and Food Workers' Union organiser Ann Galloway said up to 15 staff might take a personal grievance against the company.
For years workers enjoyed regular shifts and hours, but since a restructure in May their rosters were unpredictable.
Workers unable to work particular shifts were no longer accommodated, she said. Some workers were getting far fewer hours than they were used to, she said.
''The way they're treating the staff is absolutely terrible - nobody's happy.''
Mrs Galloway said most aged care facilities supported regular hours and shifts that enabled workers to plan their lives.
In a written response to questions, Mr Renwick said staff no longer had regular hours because of the ''operational needs of the business''.
He declined to elaborate on the operational needs, saying that would be inappropriate in view of the ongoing discussion with the union.
''We are working through a process with the union; if an amicable solution is not reached, dissatisfied employees may decide to take a personal grievance,'' Mr Renwick said.
Mr Renwick said HIL Management Services Ltd valued its workers and was trying to deliver a high standard of care to residents.
The starting hourly rate for carers at the home is $15 to $15.70, depending on experience.
