KIA ORA E TE WHĀNAU O TE PUKENGA HERE TIKANGA MAHI
Welcome to this edition of Te Mahinga Ora. Reflecting on the past three months, I am struck by the tremendous victories our members have banded together to achieve.
UNION WINS
Protracted industrial struggle in the DHB sector finally gave way to a mana-enhancing pay deal for DHB admin and clerical workers, which is set to transform the lives of some of the lowest-paid workers across the sector.
Meanwhile, after 18 months of tireless negotiation, our 10,000-strong Allied workforce received long-awaited guarantees on pay increases and adjustments.
Local Government began preparations for the sector’s first Multi-Employer Collective Agreement (MECA) for councils in the top of the South Island.
Our union announced the critical step – taken in conjunction with the NZCTU – to bargain for a Public Service Pay Adjustment (PSPA) across the whole of the public sector through Te Takawaenga Whakamana accord for the public service.
CLIMATE ACTION
We moved closer to decarbonising our union this year, reducing the number of printed journals we send
to members’ homes and worksites.
This was guided by our recent communications survey which revealed more than 54 per cent of members prefer to read the journal online, while just 8.75 per cent prefer a printed copy.
Rest assured, we don’t take this minority for granted. That’s why we’ve taken steps to ensure any member who wants a printed copy can get one by moving to an opt-in system for printed journals.
We’ll communicate this change further over the coming weeks and months. Please keep an eye out for email updates.
NEW FEATURES
I’m excited to introduce two new regular features in this edition of Te Mahinga Ora.
Our review section will cast a unionist eye over the latest books, films, theatre and television, while our union wins section will highlight incredible victories won by members across the motu.
Both sections are open to all members. If you would like to write a review – or highlight a win – please email editor@psa.org.nz
PSA CONGRESS
With Congress just a few weeks away, I’m excited to connect with many of you in person for the first time in many months.
Our congress papers and annual report should be hitting delegates’ inboxes in a matter of days. Please take the time to familiarise yourself with the running order and the notices of motion.
Please feel free to get in touch with any questions ahead of the event at benedict.ferguson@psa.org.nz.
Until then,
In solidarity,
Benedict Ferguson