Grant
ROBERTSON

Economic Development Spokesperson

18 June 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT
Joyce must come clean on pay negotiation meddling

Despite his own claims that Ministers should not be involved in state sector pay rounds, Steven Joyce was so closely involved in discussions at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment that negotiations were adjourned to seek his approval, Labour’s Economic Development spokesperson Grant Robertson says.

“Pay negotiations between the Government and MBIE staff were adjourned in early June specifically so the Economic Development Minister’s approval could be sought for the offer. This is despite Steven Joyce himself saying that state sector rules specifically prohibit Ministers being involved at that level.

“Sources close to the discussions have told me that on June 4 negotiations were put on hold pending a meeting between Steven Joyce and MBIE Chief Executive David Smol. It was clear to those in negotiations this was specifically to seek his approval for an offer.

“MBIE staff have been offered an effective 1 per cent pay increase. Steven Joyce has set this pitiful rate, despite it being well below the projections the Government has made about wage growth and the commitment by Ministers that after years of no pay rises, workers should expect to see some benefits of economic growth.

“Far from leading by example, Steven Joyce is failing to make a credible offer. He is continuing his record of meddling in decision making, including on MBIE business grants.

“It is clear that whatever brave words the Minister might have about pay rises, his actions speak much louder,” Grant Robertson says.

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