State sector cuts forcing youth out?
This story from NewstalkZB says that there's concern continued cuts to the state sector are forcing young people out of the public service.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is the latest government department looking to axe jobs, with up to 300 set to go. There's also concern about a bottle-neck culture meaning salaries and opportunities are being taken away from younger employees...read more.
Youth rates, back on the agenda
The minimum wage for young people appears to be back on the political agenda. It shouldn’t be. Those wanting to bring back youth rates say they will slash youth unemployment. The evidence simply does not bear this out. There are much more important issues at stake including skills, education, productivity and living standards...read more: Youth rates story from Dominion Post 130611
PSA Youth National Conference
 | What an inspiring, well-organised and fun conference we had! ‘We’ are around 50 young people working in public services around the country, who are motivated to discuss our workplaces and NZ’s economy and society; young people who are keen to share experiences and to learn from each other. We are concerned and this is why we are committed to contribute to change. This is why we came together!
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Two days were filled with a busy agenda in which we learned about our union history, new politics and the movement of movements. We heard about PSA’s strategic direction and possibilities of participation and engagement. Famous Martyn ‘Bomber’ Bradbury enlightened us with his straightforward, thought-provoking and sometimes cynical insights whereas the panel of young political leaders showed us how to exercise diplomacy prior to the elections rather than to take on a political battle of ideas. Top leaders of NZ’s trade union movement told us how crucial we are for NZ’s future and the re-vitalisation of the union movement.
Engaging with each other was as simple as gulping down the first drink at the end of an eventful day one of the conference. I felt so good being part of a creative bunch of people who share similar values and who see and criticise injustices in everyday life. It is not all rosy – especially not for young people! But it is equally not all bad because we are not on our own and together we can make things happen.
Energy and enthusiasm is what you would have felt if you were at the conference!
If you want to become active about individual issues in your workplace or with regards to wider social and economic injustices, get in touch!
Re-framing justice, solidarity and equality should not happen without you.
Logo competition winner
Congratulations to Robert from the Ministry of Education who designed the new PSA Youth logo and bagged himself a Sony Ericsson Xperia X10, courtesy of Telecom.
Robert’s winning design was chosen because of its clean look and it’s subtle take on the theme Speak Up. The logo will be used on the PSA Youth webpage, PSA Youth Facebook page, and all of our PSA Youth promotional material.
International news
YOUTH TO YOUTH is the Asia Pacific Electronic news bulletin for young members in the region. It is published every two months by the Public Services International Asia and Pacific Regional Organisation. Read the latest issue here.
Results of the survey
Here are the results of the PSA Youth Survey. We had almost 3,000 responses with 1,200 people pledging further support for PSAY activities. PSAY Survey - collated results.
Ariki Taru from Work and Income Kilbirnie won the iPod in a random draw from all the survey respondents. Congratulations.
Other Youth Union News
We have strong links with Stand Up, New Zealand’s youth union movement. Stand Up is a network of young workers across New Zealand who aim to increase awareness of unionism and workers’ rights amongst young New Zealanders and to advocate and campaign on issues important to young people. Fin out more about Stand Up on Facebook.