In April it was revealed that Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) wasplanning to cut 27 jobs. In the last few years TPK has undertaken severalrestructures which have resulted in more than 75 full time equivalent roleslost at the agency. The proposed cuts would have meant the overall loss of morethan 20 per cent of the entire workforce in just two years.
The PSA was deeply concerned for our members and theirwhānau whose livelihoods were are at risk, but also because the cumulativeimpact of the job losses would decimate the agency’s ability to support theCrown in meeting their te Tiriti obligations and delivering improved outcomesfor Māori.
Over decades,TPK has cultivated a proud reputation in ensuring that public services work forMāori. Workersat TPK hold crucial roles in overseeing Māori development programmes, andadvising ministers and government departments on kaupapa Māori, te Tiriti oWaitangi, and Māori-Crown relations.
TPK failed to properly consult with union members on therestructure plans, despite a collective agreement provision requiring them todo so. We therefore filed legal proceedings with the Employment RelationsAuthority.
In late May, PSA attended a mediation session with TPK.While we did not reach a settlement during that process, shortly after, TPKannounced that they would be effectively backing down on their plans. Whilethere will be minor changes to position descriptions and reporting lines, noworkers at TPK will lose their jobs.
This is a significant victory for our PSA members at TPK andshows the power we have as union members when we take collective action.
Our focus throughout this process has been to protect thejobs and livelihoods of our members, and as such, we have withdrawn legalproceedings.
This outcome sends a strong message to other agencies: theymust uphold the rights of workers and comply with their obligations undercollective agreements.
We know we must be vigilant. Given ongoing budget cuts,there will no doubt be further restructuring at TPK and across the publicservice. We will do everything we can to protect the livelihoods of publicservants and their whānau.
