Public Service Association (PSA) organiser Poppy Stowell said the Oamaru protest was part of union strikes throughout the country calling for the public’s support for the workers’ fight for better pay and conditions.
About 20 support workers lined both sides of busy Severn St with protest placards, receiving toots and hollers of support from people in vehicles and pedestrians.
Ms Stowell said International Worker’s Day was chosen for the first strike action in almost 20 years for the workers whose employer, ACH, has not offered them a pay rise in two years.
"We've got a bunch of really great and brave Access workers, care and support workers out on strike today.
"In bargaining this year the employer has tried to cut a bunch of terms and conditions for these workers, trying to get rid of tenure-based pay, trying to reduce their sick leave entitlements.
"And they've said, ‘until you agree to all of these cuts in your conditions, we won't even talk about pay’.
"So, we're really out here trying to send the employer the message that we want them to come to the table and to put their best foot forward, to put the funding that they've received back into the workers' pockets, because these guys really do an amazing job for our community," Ms Stowell said.
ACH chief executive Androulla Kotrotsos said "it is simply not true" they were looking to take away tenure-based pay or sick leave entitlements.
"We remain committed to a fair bargaining process ... We would like to provide an increase for our workforce and understand their frustration."
ACH contracts were entirely government funded and there was an uplift of up to 3.2% for some contracts in July 2024 to meet rising costs, "but it was not tagged for pay rises, nor was it sufficient to do so," she said.
Ms Stowell said better terms and conditions and pay for the workers would allow them to "live with dignity".
ACH supports more than 40,000 people with nursing, personal care, rehabilitation and household assistance to enable them to live independently in their own homes.
About 2939 support workers and 219 nurses are employed by ACH in New Zealand.
PSA Oamaru delegate and support worker Serayna Harris said the lack of a pay increase was not fair to the dedicated support workers.
"We’re worth more than that. Without us, people can’t stay in their homes. We are essential workers," Mrs Harris said.
Ms Stowell said the workers help look after "vulnerable people" in the community.
"Getting out on strike is a huge deal for these workers, because they're so committed to the support that they can provide, and to helping those people who really need it the most."
