PSA MEDIA RELEASE
August 9, 2007
For Immediate Use

PSA Opposes Sacking of TVNZ Security Guard

The Public Service Association supports the Engineering and Manufacturing Union in its efforts to have a sacked TVNZ security guard reinstated.

Louis Rawnsley, who is a member of the EPMU, has worked as a security guard for the state broadcaster for 24 years. He was dismissed after saying to Christine Rankin, as she was leaving TVNZ's Auckland head office, that her comments on the network's Breakfast Show about Maori and child abuse, were "over the top".

"The PSA fully supports the EPMU in its efforts to have Louis Rawnsley reinstated," says PSA National Secretary, Brenda Pilott. The PSA and EPMU represent around 300 TVNZ staff.

"We share the EPMU's shock at his sacking after 24 years of loyal service at TVNZ," says Brenda Pilott.

"The fact that more than 150 staff at TVNZ have signed a petition, supporting Mr Rawnsley, shows that he is held in high regard and has established a reputation as a good employee and good ambassador for the state owned company." Mr Rawnsley has stated publicly that he did not "verbally abuse" Christine Rankin, as claimed by TVNZ chief executive, Rick Ellis in a message to TVNZ staff. Mr Rawnsley says he simply politely challenged Mrs Rankin's televised comments about Maori child abuse.

"The PSA believes sacking Mr Rawnsley is a major over reaction," says Brenda Pilott.

"At a time when all New Zealanders are being urged to take a stand against child abuse, we understand that Mr Rawnsley was simply making a polite and private criticism of Mrs Rankin's views on the issue."

"This is why the PSA fully supports the EPMU in its efforts to have Mr Rawnsley reinstated," says Brenda Pilott.

ENDS

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