Hopes for an intervention to break an impasse in the disability support sector

A thousand workers supporting New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities have walked off the job, and onto picket lines for the day.

It's the sixth strike in part of an 8-month pay and working conditions conflict with their employer, IHC's IDEA Services.

E tu union advocate, Alastair Duncan, says after failed mediation, they need proper help.

He says he hopes the Employment Relations Authority will see they're calling out for support, intervention and a fair deal.