Whanganui Courthouse and Maori Land Court staff join national strike

Whanganui drivers were tooting their horns in support of Ministry of Justice staff waving placards outside the courthouse today.

The 20 PSA (Public Service Association) union members from the Whanganui District Court were joined a further 20 from the Māori Land Court joining the national strike action for two hours this morning.

Union member Jason Harrison holds a placard supporting gender pay parity outside the Whanganui District Court. Photo/ Stuart Munro

Pay negotiation meetings between the PSA bargaining team and the Ministry of Justice have failed to reach a resolution.

Whanganui PSA organiser Linsey Higgins said the workers are court reporters, security officers, Family Court coordinators and victims' advisers who are predominantly women.

"On this 125th anniversary of Women's Suffrage, it is especially pertinent to address the gender pay gap."

The union say the average female employee at the Ministry of Justice is paid 15 per cent less than the average male - more than the average public sector department gender pay gap of 12 per cent.

The PSA says the ministry offered the third lowest average salary in the public sector last year.

The Whanganui District Court was closed from 10.30am to 12.30pm during the strike and industrial action will continue as PSA members ban overtime, work only contracted hours and take common breaks until October 19.

Workers have been offered a 5 per cent pay increase over two years, but the PSA is asking for a 13 per cent increase over the same period.