Tararua District Council union members say their planned strike action is the result of unfair pay and the “undervaluing” of their work.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi (PSA) confirmed members will stop work from 1pm to 5pm on Monday, July 31, and for a full day on Tuesday, August 1.
“We’ve been in bargaining since November 2022, working to achieve an acceptable deal,” PSA organiser Dolly Larkins said. “Our members are part of this community and see the value of the work they do - they want to keep working.”
“But as workers, they only have their labour to bargain with. Since the council hasn’t acknowledged the value of their work with an acceptable deal, our members must take action.”
She claimed high staff turnover had left many struggling to cover the work of vacant jobs, and pay, “especially for long-term staff, has lagged behind the rising cost of living”.