Public Service Association Urges Government to Return to Bargaining Table with Fair Offers

Strategic Insights -

The Public Service Association, representing more than 18,000 health and ACC workers, has urged the Government to ensure that employers come back to the bargaining table with fair offers that reflect the cost of living and urgent need for safe staffing levels. Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary, emphasized that the strikes should be a wake-up call for the Government, and workers are seeking fresh and fair offers to settle collective agreements. The PSA is pushing for improved offers to address the cost of living and staffing levels, and if not met, will ballot members for further strike action.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Service Association is urging the Government to ensure that employers come back to the bargaining table with fair offers that reflect the cost of living and urgent need for safe staffing levels.
  • The strikes by health and ACC workers should be a wake-up call for the Government, and workers are seeking fresh and fair offers to settle collective agreements.
  • The PSA is pushing for improved offers to address the cost of living and staffing levels, which are crucial for keeping workers and patients safe.
  • The union is seeking genuine consultation over flexible working arrangements for ACC members and rectifying deep-seated culture issues within ACC.
  • According to a Talbot Mills poll, more than six out of ten New Zealanders support the strike action (65%).
  • The Public Service Association is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across various sectors.

Statistics:

  • Over 18,000 health and ACC workers are involved in the strikes.
  • 65% of New Zealanders support the strike action, according to a Talbot Mills poll.
  • 95,000 workers are represented by the Public Service Association.
  • 1200 workers in ACC are waiting for new bargaining dates.
  • 1700 workers in Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora are back in bargaining next week.
  • 3500 workers in Mental health and public health nurses and mental health assistants have not yet had a formal offer after 28 days of bargaining.
  • 11,500 workers in the Allied, Public Health, Scientific and Technical agreement are awaiting forthcoming mediation.

Sources:

  • Public Service Association Te Pʽkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
  • Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary, Public Service Association Te Pʽkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
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