Public servants and political demonstrations

The key issue facing public servants when deciding whether to join political demonstrations is the balancing of the responsibility of public servant obligations and the rights of employees to freedom of speech and expression, PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said today.

“It is the PSA’s view that the right to participate as a citizen in an open, democratic society is paramount. PSA members have often been at the forefront of movements for social change, and have a keen interest in the issues facing New Zealand.

“Therefore, we believe that public servants must be able to attend political demonstrations unless good reason exists that such attendance will be in contradiction to their employment obligations.”

Richard Wagstaff said the right to participate must be balanced with the particular employment obligations which cover public servants.

“We have advised our members to read the New Zealand Public Service Code of Conduct before making up their minds. Those who do attend demonstrations are obliged, of course, to do so in their own time.”

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