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Government's Plan to Restrict Public Sector Workers' Right to Strike Sparks Concern

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Public Service Association (PSA) has expressed deep concern over the Government's plan to restrict public sector workers' fundamental right to strike, citing a statement made by Public Service Minister Judith Collins in Parliament. In response to questions from Camilla Belich, Collins stated that the Government is looking at strengthening the bargaining system to provide alternative options before workers resort to striking. However, the PSA argues that this proposal is a direct attack on working people's ability to negotiate fair wages and conditions, and that the Government has already shown a willingness to remove basic rights without consultation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government is planning to restrict public sector workers' right to strike, as revealed by Public Service Minister Judith Collins in Parliament.
  • The PSA argues that the right to strike is a cornerstone of the democratic workplace relations system and should not be further restricted.
  • The PSA claims that the Government has already shown a willingness to remove basic rights without consultation, citing the removal of women's pay equity rights and the introduction of pay deductions for partial strikes.
  • The PSA is calling on Collins to rule out any further restrictions on the right to strike and instead focus on ensuring public sector workers receive fair pay rises that keep pace with the rising cost of living.
  • Public sector workers provide essential services to New Zealand and face the same cost of living pressures as everyone else, making it essential that they are paid fairly and treated with respect.
  • Public Service Minister Judith Collins stated that the Government is looking at strengthening the bargaining system to provide alternative options before workers resort to striking.
  • According to the PSA, mediation and facilitation already exist and are regularly used, making the proposed changes unnecessary.
  • The PSA represents over 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards, and community groups.
  • The PSA is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union.

Statistics:

  • Over 95,000 workers represented by the Public Service Association.
  • The PSA is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union.
  • The Government has already removed women's pay equity rights without consultation.
  • The Government has introduced pay deductions for partial strikes.

Sources:

  • Public Service Association Te Pʽkenga Here Tikanga Mahi
  • [1] Judith Collins, Public Service Minister
  • [1] Camilla Belich, MP
  • [1] Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA National Secretary

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