How do I join the PSA?

You can join online here.

Who can join the PSA?

The Public Service Association is a union that covers core Government workers (public servants), Crown Research Institutes, State Owned Enterprises, public hospital staff (except general nurses, cleaners & orderlies), local bodies such as councils etc.

The PSA doesn’t cover teachers, sworn police, cleaners & orderlies  - except some who work for Spotless or are contracted to NZ Defence.  We do not cover registered nurses who are general nurses. However we do cover mental health nurses.  

To find out which union does cover you go to the NZ Council of Trade Unions website.

What fees should I be paying?

You can  find out about the fees here.

Is a tax-free scholarship counted as part of my gross salary?

No,  a tax-free scholarship is not part of your gross salary.

Am I covered if I go on  parental/maternity or leave without pay?

Members are covered while on parental leave as long as you were a financial member at the time you went on leave.
1.    You need to notify the PSA when your leave begins & your expected return date. (call 0508 367 772 or enquiries@psa.org.nz )
2.    Your payroll will automatically suspend your fees.
3.    There are no fees taken out of the government paid parental leave.
4.    Fees are paid on any annual leave taken in conjunction with parental leave.
5.    You will need to ask your payroll to recommence your fee payments on your return to work & notify the PSA that you have returned.

 

I have over paid my fees. How do I get a refund?

To apply for a refund download the fees refund form. Refunds can be claimed for up to 12 months.

I have just joined the PSA. How do I change from my individual agreement to the collective agreement?

If you are in a position that is covered by the collective agreement by joining the PSA you are automatically covered by the collective agreement. Your payroll will be aware of this when they receive your fee deduction authorisation form.

We also have members whose delegations (positions such as managers) that fall outside the collective agreement coverage who are covered by individual agreements.

Can I be a member of more than one union?

You can belong to two unions if you work in two part time jobs – make sure you are paying the correct fees as you could end up paying too much. E.g.if you are a registered nurse in the mental health field you can be covered by the PSA and NZNO (NZ Nurses Organisation).

I am a member of the NZNO (NZ Nurses Org) and the PSA, what fees do I pay?

This applies to mental health nurses who belong to both unions. As the PSA negotiated your terms & conditions you pay a full fee to the PSA. When you provide proof to the NZNO that you pay a full fee to the PSA, they will charge you a part fee.

Can I be a member of the PSA in more than one work place?

You can be a member of the PSA in more than one work place so long as both workplaces are covered by the PSA. You would pay full fees at your main place of employment and be covered by the collective agreements at both workplaces. You must ensure that the employer where you are not having fees deducted is aware you are a member of the PSA.

Do I have to rejoin if I change employer?

You will need to email membership@psa.org.nz and advise your new employer details. Our membership staff will send you a new deduction authorisation form for you to complete and give to your new payroll

 

I have enrolled online. Why are no fees  coming out of my pay?

Contact payroll - your fee deductions cannot start until you have advised payroll. If you need a new deduction authorisation form for your employer email membership@psa.org.nz and our membership staff will send you a form. . Once we receive your first payment we will send you your membership pack and card.

I have retired. Can I  remain a PSA member?

You can stay in touch with the PSA by becoming an Associate Member. The fees are $50 per year & you receive all the member benefits except industrial assistance. Download the  associate membership form.

How do I update my address details?

Go here.

How do I resign from the PSA?

1.    You need to notify the PSA in writing giving two weeks notice as per the PSA rules.
 Email enquiries@psa.org.nz
2.    You will also need to notify your payroll to stop your payments.

Casual workers

Casual workers pay fees when they work. If you are a regular casual worker e.g. you usually work 4 hours each week you can pay the lowest or middle rate fortnightly depending on your hours.  Contact membership@psa.org.nz to discuss your situation if you are unsure.