Government's Plans to Undermine Public Sector Workers' Rights Alarms Union

Strategic Insights -

The Public Service Association Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is sounding the alarm on the Government's plans to restrict collective bargaining and the right to strike for public sector workers. The warning comes after Minister Judith Collins hinted at exploring options to limit these fundamental rights. The PSA is seeking an urgent assurance from the Minister that she will not restrict workers' rights, citing the Government's history of undermining workers' rights without proper notice or consultation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Public Service Association Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is seeking an urgent assurance from Minister Judith Collins that she will not restrict collective bargaining and the right to strike for public sector workers.
  • The PSA is concerned about the Government's history of undermining workers' rights, including removing pay equity rights without warning and changing the law to financially penalize workers for taking partial strike action.
  • The PSA's national secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons, stated that the right to strike is a cornerstone of democratic workplace relations and the Government must come clean on any options they are looking at that could undermine this right.
  • The PSA is seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Collins to discuss the Government's intentions regarding public sector workers' rights and to clarify what options the Government is considering.
  • The PSA represents over 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards, and community groups in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Statistics:

  • The Public Service Association Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi represents over 95,000 workers across various sectors in Aotearoa New Zealand (Source: The Public Service Association Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi).
  • The Government has already demonstrated a pattern of undermining workers' rights, including removing pay equity rights and changing the law to financially penalize workers for striking (Source: The Public Service Association Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi).
  • The PSA is seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Collins to discuss the Government's intentions regarding public sector workers' rights (Source: The Public Service Association Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi).

Sources:

  • The Public Service Association Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. (2025). PSA Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi Calls on Government to come Clean on Plans to Undermine Public Sector Workers' Rights. Retrieved from
  • The Public Service Association Te PêÇkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. (2025). Aotearoa New Zealand's Largest Trade Union. Retrieved from