With a new Government now in place it’s timely for the PSA to consider what we can expect, and what we would like to achieve in the next three years.
What is certain is that everyone working in public and community services will be in for a busy time. Keeping our country safe from Covid and rebuilding better will be the focus. PSA members will continue to be at the heart of this effort.
This has been an extremely challenging year and it’s important all of the people doing the mahi are well supported as we move to deliver the Government’s work programme.
EQUAL PAY PROGRESS
We can expect to see more progress on equal pay – both by gender and ethnicity. It is clear that this is a Government that shares our aims on this. While some good progress was made in the last term, there is much work to do and the PSA is working with other unions to lead this.
We’ll be encouraging even more members to get involved in our equal pay claims and Worth 100% campaign, along with Te Rūnanga’s Mana Wahine Treaty claim.
PUBLIC SERVICE REFORM
In its last term the Government started reform of some key public services, including the health and disability, education and justice systems. PSA members in these services have already contributed to reviews. We’ll continue to ensure your voices are heard in decision making and that there’s a just transition to what’s next.
The new Public Service Act is being implemented, with the Government aiming to improve the delivery of services, the Māori Crown relationship, and the working lives of public servants.
It’s also clear this Government is interested in taking a regional approach to services, and we can expect accelerated progress towards great inter-agency collaboration and whole of government working.
We’ll be pushing for more consistent terms and conditions to move towards a joined up career public service.
WORKING CONDITIONS
In the workplace, the Government has said it will prioritise an increase in the statutory entitlement for sick leave from 5 to 10 days, and pave the way for industry-wide Fair Pay Agreements.
We welcome those commitments and promising signs the Government will move to extend the Living Wage, ensure greater protections for contractors, and make workplaces safer.
UNIVERSAL BASIC SERVICES
Finally, the PSA will continue to campaign for the Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment.
We’ll be urging the new Government to extend the universal provision of services in health, housing, education, income support, public transport and internet to make Aotearoa a fairer, more equitable society.
Photo Caption: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at PSA Congress 2020
It was our biggest Congress ever, with more than 200 delegates gathering in Wellington to debate, network and make plans that will guide the future of our union.
We extend a warm welcome to Benedict Ferguson who has been elected as our new president by delegates at Congress 2020.
An interim offer for the DHB admin pay equity claim, new collective agreements in the Public Service, and a new leadership line-up for our union feature in our News in Brief.
Delegates at Hui Taumata came away feeling inspired and empowered to make a difference for their workmates and their people.
Allan Franks says he felt “privileged and a bit overwhelmed” to receive the Marlene Pitman Award at Hui Taumata, the PSA Māori Congress.
The PSA is taking a two-track approach to delivering on pay equity - using the force of new law to settle claims and new guidance to end discrimination.
Thanks to all our members who supported the PSA’s Aotearoa Wellbeing Commitment during the election campaign. We’ll be continuing this campaign for a commitment to universal basic services.
Here’s why writer and campaigner Max Harris believes universalism is so important.
The wider union movement has thrown it’s support behind the They Deserve the Best Campaign for home support that gives dignity to our most vulnerable people.
PSA members were among the winners in Te Kawa Mataaho's Public Service Day Awards this year.
After the most challenging of years, many of us are counting the days until we can take a well-deserved break.
Christchurch kids and their bikes will benefit from a PSA HealthCarePlus Grant for Good.
The two researchers delving into the findings of our Mana Wahine Treaty Claim survey shared their own experiences of discrimination with Working Life.
The Covid-19 pandemic is estimated to have claimed the equivalent of 235 million jobs across the Asia Pacific region.
The right to work is a fundamental human right - but people with diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics (SOGIESC) continue to experience discrimination in workplaces which can sometimes force them to leave.
Members at a mental health unit in Auckland are “stoked” about their new roster system.
Pink is the theme for our photo pages this issue thanks to the anti-bullying Pink Shirt Day and the DHB admin pay equity claim Pink Tuesdays.
Retiring national secretary Glenn Barclay looks back on a time of growth and change at the helm of New Zealand’s largest union