Almost 10,000 public servants across the country will strike for their respective collective agreements tomorrow.
The striking public servants include those working at the Ministry of Social Development (MSD); the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE); and the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities (MEC).
Public Service Association (PSA) National Secretary, Duane Leo said the workers are seeking an increase that keeps pace with the cost of living.
“The Government came to power claiming to have a laser-like focus on the cost of living – it must stop its austerity drive and send a clear message to these employers to settle these disputes so public servants can be paid fairly,” said Mr Leo.
“All these public servants want are fair deals for themselves and their families. That’s what these strikes are for, and we haven’t ruled out further industrial action if employers don’t bring that to the table.”
Over 5,000 public servants at MSD will strike from 1pm-3pm. The bargaining covers roles across MSD, such as public servants who provide end-to-end income, housing, and employment support; process hardship grants, StudyLink loans, pension payments, and more; provide policy advice on changes to the welfare system; and support businesses with training pathways and recruitment.
Around 2,700 public servants at MBIE will strike from 1pm-5.30pm. The bargaining with MBIE covers immigration and visa officers, along with workers who operate New Zealand’s borders, advise on economic, business and regional investment; fund science and innovation; regulate building; manage the country’s energy system; and maintain consumer standards and market regulation. The largest group is Immigration Officers, most of whom earn around $70,000 a year.
More than 1,300 public servants at the DIA, NEMA, and MEC will strike from 1pm-6pm. DIA workers striking include those who process passports and documents recording our births, deaths, marriages and citizenship, National Library and Archives staff, gambling and anti-money laundering regulators, staff working on digital safety, child exploitation prevention, and violent extremism prevention, as well as community operations and emergency management roles.
List of tomorrow’s strike pickets:
- Northland – 1pm-3.30pm, BBQ/sausage sizzle at Laurie Hall Park, Whangārei
- Auckland CBD – 1.30pm-2.15pm, Te Komititanga Square (outside Waitematā Station, formerly Britomart)
- Auckland, Henderson – 1.30pm-2.15pm, Rotary Park, near the Corban Estate, Swanson Rd/Great North Rd/Lincoln Rd intersection
- Auckland, Manukau – 1.30pm-2.15pm, Manukau Plaza, cnr Osterley Way and Putney Way
- Mt Maunganui – 1.30pm-2.15pm, Truck bay across from Links Avenue Reserve, near Bayfair & driving range
- Hamilton – 1.30pm-2.15pm, 500 Victoria Street
- Ōpōtiki – 1.30pm-2.15pm, 93 Church Street
- Rotorua – Leaving MSD’s regional office at 1pm, walking down to Kuirau Park together, back at regional office by 3pm
- Gisborne – MSD members are marching from 1pm to the Southern Cross room at HB Williams Memorial Library by 1.20pm. Meet DIA and MBIE there at 1.30pm
- Hastings – 1pm-3pm, MSD (including Flaxmere office) – Hikoi – Start at office, head to the police station, then clock tower, meeting in the square, then back around up Nelson St and back to the office
- Napier – 1pm-3pm, MSD (Including Taradale office)- Hikoi to the Sound Shell, meeting then head back around to office. Offer sent out to DIA and MBIE members to join along the way.
- Palmerston North – 1.15pm-2.15pm, The Clocktower in The Square/Te Marae o Hine
- Porirua – 1.30pm-2.30pm, Corner of Lyttelton Ave and Titahi Bay Rd
- Lower Hutt – 1.30pm-2.15pm, 2 Queens Drive, Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010
- Wellington City – 1.30pm-2.15pm, Wellington Cenotaph, 1 Bowen Street (Wet weather backup: St Paul’s Cathedral)
- Nelson – Meeting outside MSD on the Montgomery carpark side from 1pm. March to the bottom of Trafalgar Street – there from 1.15pm
- Christchurch – 1.30pm-2.30pm, Bridge of Remembrance
- Dunedin – 1.30pm-2.15pm, Exchange Square outside John Whitcliffe house/building for MSD, MBIE and DIA.
