16 November 2012
Industrial action at Statistics New Zealand
PSA members at Statistics New Zealand have launched industrial action over a proposed new pay system and Statistics New
Zealand’s heavy-handed approach to the negotiation process.
The low-level industrial action by members of the Public Service Association includes an overtime ban and a work to
rule, while field interviewers are withholding or delaying the results of some survey information.
PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff says Statistics New Zealand has essentially jumped over the collective
bargaining process.
“It is trying to force staff to adopt a new pay system which was developed in isolation by outside consultants. It was
not negotiated as part of the collective bargaining process and staff have had no input into it.”
“Staff believe the new system is confusing, lacks transparency and will be difficult to apply. It has been structured in
such a way that some staff will benefit greatly while others won’t benefit at all. Also other employment conditions such
as redundancy and long service leave for some groups of workers will be undermined,” Mr Wagstaff says.
The PSA wants to see a pay system which will deliver an across the board percentage increase to all staff and one which
is the result of a fairly negotiated agreement.
“Our members feel Statistics New Zealand is not playing by the rules and its attitude has been one of dictating rather
than negotiating, which goes against the spirit of its own organisational plan of considering all perspectives. The
industrial action is a reflection of their frustration and the fact that their concerns are not being listened to.”
The PSA is willing to return to the negotiating table at any time to try and work towards a fairer pay system and urges
Statistics New Zealand to do the same.
ENDS