PSA targets pay and working conditions

Public Service Association members across the country are being briefed this week on the union's plan to secure better pay and working conditions across the public sector.

A pay case has already been submitted for health sector workers and the PSA is currently developing an approach for local government workers.

PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said workers in the public sector were making a big contribution to the success of the New Zealand economy, and to improved public services, and it was time their efforts were better recognised.

"Luck has not driven New Zealand's economic success. Public servants have played a major role realising government policies which are helping to secure continued prosperity."

Mr Wagstaff said the Partnership for Quality agreement the PSA renewed with the government in 2003 had pushed welcome change in the public sector. Public services had improved and better and more rewarding career pathways were being developed, but more progress was needed.

"We want the public sector to be an employer of choice offering diverse and rewarding career pathways."

Among the PSA's objectives are higher pay, improved employment standards, workplace safety and manageable workloads "so that public servants can balance home and work life".

"We are not seeking unified across-the-board improvements because the current terms and conditions of employment differ from organisation to organisation," said Mr Wagstaff.

"As each collective agreement comes up for negotiation PSA members at those workplaces will determine how to use the framework we have launched today."

The PSA is New Zealand's largest union of public sector workers, as well as local government employees and a large number of workers in the health sector.