If you work for public, health, or community services, the state sector, or local government, you can be publicly active and vocal on causes you believe in when you’re outside of work.
But you should take some precautions to keep yourself safe. Make sure you're familiar with your employer’s code of conduct so you know what your obligations are.
Precautions to take if you need to stay ‘politically neutral’ in your work
If you’re acting politically you need to keep it separate from your work, you should avoid:
- identifying yourself with your work – including wearing logos, lanyards, or uniforms associated with your work
- taking action during work time – use your lunch break or flexible working so you’re acting in your own time
- giving the impression you’re giving the view of your employer when it’s your own view
- disclosing information from your work that is not already public
- using your employer's resources, e.g. email; printer; work-provided devices when interacting with social media posts
- associating your work with personal posts on social media – including professional networking sites like LinkedIn.
If you work in community- or iwi-based services, your employer might be supportive of your political activity (for example, encouraging workers to attend certain events as part of your work).
If you're a senior member of the public service who advises a Minister, or are a publicly known spokesperson for your employer, you may need to exercise more caution.
Where to get more information
If you work for a public service agency, the Public Service Act 2020 also protects your right to express yourself politically – Te Kawa Mataaho has advice about this on its website.
If you have any questions, contact your PSA delegate or organiser, or call Te Roopu Tohutohu Maanaki, our member support centre, on 0508 367 772.
