We’ve organised in workplaces, lobbied politicians, taken legal action, and maintained a strong media presence.
Taking action in workplaces
A major focus has been supporting your delegates to have meaningful input into restructuring within the public service and Te Whatu Ora. We oppose downsizing of over-stretched public health services and, while our input has saved some roles and processes have complied with collective agreements, this work is not yet finished. We’ve also taken industrial action when necessary to support bargaining, including at the New Zealand Defence Force, NIWA, Visionwest, NZ Blood Service, Pacific Radiology and Te Roopu Taurima.
Success stories
We have mounted high profile media and social media campaigns to highlight the impact of Government cuts. In the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), we successfully argued that the Ministry of Education had not followed the Collective Agreement by imposing, rather than agreeing, change proposals – a win that afforded dignity to hundreds of workers and provided a morale boost to thousands more.
We’ve also championed the rights of workers to flexible working. When Public Service Minister Nicola Willis directed public servants to cut back on working from home, we publicly reminded the Minister flexible working was built into many employment agreements and are engaging with Te Kawa Mataaho Public Service Commission on this issue.
Taking a stand for workers' rights
Working with other unions (E tū and NZNO) we’ve kept fighting for pay equity for care and support workers, including taking their case to the ERA and holding nationwide rallies in July. We’ve also enabled members to raise their concerns about foreshadowed changes to health and safety at work. Changes proposed to sick leave entitlement will impact on many members and we’ve spent time understanding how the current system works to ensure the negative impact of likely reforms will be highlighted.
Building alliances
We have continued building alliances across communities, with iwi, and across the union movement.
In the coming two years, these alliances will be crucial in resisting the Government’s agenda.
As a founding member of the Save Science Coalition, which includes 29 scientific societies and unions, we helped produce the only analysis to show the full impact of Government cuts which so far has seen 500 roles cut, leading many scientists to seek opportunities abroad.
October’s successful nationwide cross-union Fight Back Together | Maranga Ake hui enabled PSA members to join in solidarity against the cuts and for a better vision for Aotearoa. In 2025, our 112th year, we’ll keep on doing this.