National’s bad faith, bad for NZ negotiating

Grant Robertson
State Services spokesperson

14 September 2009 Media Statement

National’s bad faith, bad for New Zealand negotiation tactics

National is in danger of driving our best and brightest doctors, teachers, nurses, firefighters and police overseas with their bad faith bargaining tactics, Labour’s State Services Spokesperson Grant Robertson said.

“It is quite ridiculous for the Government to negotiate with firefighters, the police, doctors, nurses and teachers through the media, simply telling them there is a pay freeze and don’t ask for anything,” Grant Robertson said.

“Those working in the wider state sector are well aware that we are in restrained times, but by ruling out pay increases this far ahead, Bill English is setting himself and New Zealand up for widespread industrial action.

“In two of our most essential services, health and education is Bill English really saying that he will do nothing to support their retention and recruitment? There is global demand for doctors and nurses. New Zealand teachers are sought after in the UK. A pay freeze will likely push some off-shore and lead to ongoing strike action in New Zealand.

“New Zealand trained doctors, nurses, teachers and police are highly sought after the world over and to ensure they stay working in this country we need to pay them rates which are competitive with the rest of the world or risk becoming a training ground for countries that do value their frontline workers.

“Bill English and Tony Ryall’s statements that people should be grateful to have a job, are nothing more than an attempt by the Government to turn Kiwis against those working hard to deliver essential services.

“National’s tactics are appalling and show they are leading New Zealand down a dangerous path of essential frontline workers leaving the shores by droves and increasing industrial unrest,” Grant Robertson said.

ENDS