Kia ora PSA members!
Climate change is something that will impact every living thing on our planet. Should we as union members be actively working to fight it? Should climate change be one of our Strategic Goals?
Here’s what members across our PSA networks think:
WOMEN’S NETWORK
Women and children make up 70% of the worlds’ most poor. Both here and overseas, it is this group which will be the worst impacted by climate change.
As members of the largest union in New Zealand, which has a membership that is 70% female, the PSA Women’s Network believes climate change and equal pay are inextricably linked. As such, both issues are key priorities for our network to work on.
PASEFIKA NETWORK
Rising sea levels mean there will be major displacement of Pasefika peoples to other countries, like New Zealand. Resources in this country are already stretched.
Serious consideration needs to be given, not only to the moral and ethical responsibilities New Zealand has towards its Pacific neighbours, but to developing Just Transition plans and strategies which are robust, and which will ensure our country is well prepared for these inevitable climate migrants.
TE RŪNANGA O NGĀ TOA ĀWHINA
Indigenous peoples have a close relationship with the earth and ancient cultural wisdom that enables them to live in harmony with nature through the principles of kaitiakitanga or guardianship.
In New Zealand, it is essential that tangata whenua participate and lead in climate change conversations.
YOUTH NETWORK
Our youth are the ones who will face the long-term impacts of climate change. Their voices must be heard as we navigate forward. They must be supported to take a leadership role on this issue.
DEAF & DISABLED NETWORK
We know climate change will have a disproportionate impact on marginalised groups, including those with disabilities. We need to work together on solutions that meet the needs of the deaf and disabled communities.
OUT@PSA
Extremists often blame the gay community for causing natural disasters. As another marginalised group, our LGBTQ community must also have a voice, to ensure their needs are taken into account, and their perspectives factored into any decision making.
MORE ABOUT THE ECO NETWORK
The PSA Eco Network is for members interested in building union activity around climate change and other environmental issues in their workplaces and beyond.
You can join the network and find out more at: https://www.psa.org.nz/eco
Issues
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Also in this issue:
Committing to Wellbeing
This election we’re asking the politicians to commit to providing a collection of public services that will help ensure the wellbeing of New Zealanders.
Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment: Key First Steps
So how can we build a better Aotearoa together? Here are the first steps towards fulfilling the Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment.
Support Builds for Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment
PSA members and the wider union movement are voicing their support for the Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment.
New Act affirms right to political expression
In the lead-up to the general election, the PSA welcomes the new Public Service Act’s affirmation that public servants have the same rights of political expression and freedoms as all other New Zealanders.
New law a pathway for pay equity
It was a moment to savour for all of us who have been campaigning for pay equity.
Supporting our Frontline Workers
The people who work on our border and in managed isolation and quarantine facilities are among those doing it tough as the battle against Covid-19 continues.
“The virus doesn’t discriminate, neither should we”
PSA Pasefika union members have been voicing their support for the Pasefika community during the latest Covid outbreak.
Reflections of a Webinar MC
Our Progressive Thinking webinar series has provided an opportunity for conversations about new ‘Perspectives on the Future of Public and Community Services’.
Raising waka, not just yachts
Covid-19 has revealed how institutions in Te Ao Māori can react decisively and positively on behalf of their people, DR AMOHIA BOULTON and DEB TE KAWA write in their chapter in our Progressive Thinking series.
Raising waka: Reflections from Te Rūnanga
Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina KUIA GEORGINA KERR supports the assessment of Progressive Thinking authors Dr Amohia Boulton and Deb Te Kawa that the overall Māori response to the initial Covid crisis was exceptionally well done.
“We did good”
Union members are celebrating two new collective employment agreements in the community and public service sector
Unions seek election commitments for workers
Here's what the Council of Trade Unons is asking the political parties to commit to this election:
Safer Sick Leave
PSA delegate Bob Renshaw was among the essential workers who presented a petition calling for safer sick leave to Workplace Relations Minister Andrew Little on September 1.
Attacks on Filipino Unionists Condemned
The murders of dozens of trade unionists in the Philippines sparked a protest in Wellington in July.
On the Job
Donna Wealleans says support workers are told they shouldn’t get attached to their clients. But she believes you shouldn’t be doing the job if you don’t care.
An amazing four years
Tēnā tātou katoa
It is with mixed feelings that I sit down to write my last message to you all as PSA President.
News in Brief
Protests at proposed cuts at Canterbury DHB, a campaign for home support with dignity, the PSA member card goes digital and other stories feature in our News in Brief.
Te Tohu Reorua: Bilingual Signage
While we've just celebrated Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, there are many ways we can help promote the language all year round.
Around and About Pics
Photos from protests against proposed cuts at Canterbury DHB, and attacks on Filipino unionists, along with the presentation of the Safer Sick Leave petition feature in our Around and About pages.
