He waka eke noa – We are all in this together
Tēnā koutou
I am so proud of our members at Healthcare NZ who in the last few weeks have been protesting restructuring that threatened jobs and quality client care.
I’m deeply disappointed with NZ Health Group’s decision to proceed with restructuring, albeit with the saving of some jobs.
We stand with all our members who will be affected by the restructuring and will continue to oppose the proposal which flies in the face of feedback from members and local communities.
One year on from the horrific attacks in Christchurch our union like the rest of the nation acknowledges the tragic loss of life suffered by the Muslim community.
This is also a time to remember the messages of unity and belonging which were voiced by our Prime Minister and others following the attacks.
I also pay tribute to our members who worked to ease the suffering of the victims and their families.
Looking ahead to this year’s election it is so important to ensure we have a government that will support the rights of workers.
We’ve made great strides over the past few years but there is still plenty to do including bringing in fair pay agreements and protections for contractors and labour hire workers.
As a union we are working hard to support contractors and labour hire workers to get a fair deal and to ensure the increasing use of contractors doesn’t undermine conditions for employees.
As I head into my last year as PSA President I am looking back on the achievements of the past few years.
But I am also hoping we can achieve more before my time as President comes to an end in September.
I am especially looking forward to a successful end to negotiations that are currently underway for the DHB Admin and clerical workers’ pay equity claim.
Ngā mihi maioha
Janet Quigley, PSA President
PSA Executive Board
PSA members and local communities joined forces in February to protest restructuring that threatened hundreds of jobs and quality client care.
While the restructuring by HealthCare NZ is now set to go ahead the protests have thrown a spotlight on issues besetting the home care and support sector.
As we mark the anniversary of the Christchurch attacks the PSA has added its voice to a call for peace from the city’s Muslim community.
Our union is leading the charge to strengthen rights for contractors and labour hire workers in public and community services.
Thousands of admin workers in the Public Service are asking to be paid what they’re worth with the launch of their pay equity claim.
The Mana Wahine team was up before dawn on Waitangi Day erecting our stall at the famous Treaty Grounds.
We’ve been making our voices heard on the new Public Service Legislation Bill with submissions from the PSA, Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina, network and delegate committees and individual members.
‘Tawhiti rawa i tō tatou haerenga atu te kore haere tonu’ - Sir James Henare
Former PSA staffer Noel O’Hare explains why he wrote Tooth & Veil, a history of school dental nurses and the day they stormed the corridors of power.
A groundbreaking course is empowering Māori delegates and contributing to a surge in Māori membership across the PSA.
Union organisers from the Pacific have spoken about the challenges some face while trying to improve conditions for workers in their countries.
Thanks to all our members who entered our PSA Holiday Home Photo Competition over the summer.
The new CTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges was drawn to the union movement when a job as industrial officer and organiser at Equity New Zealand caught her attention.
PSA member Pam Maha had never been fully aware of family violence before she joined the Ministry of Justice twenty years ago.
As the first Pasefika person to become a mental health nurse practitioner, Makoni Havea is determined to make a difference for her community.
PSA House, 11 Aurora Terrace
Wellington, New Zealand.
PO Box 3817,
Wellington 6140
Freephone 0508 367 772
enquiries@psa.org.nz
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