PSA Media Release
January 18, 2009
For Immediate Use

Justice workers holding pay rally during Supreme Court opening

Ministry of Justice staff are holding rallies and taking industrial action today to coincide with the opening of the new Supreme Court building by Prince William.

The rallies are being held to highlight the fact that Ministry of Justice workers are paid 6.3% less than the rest of the public service because the Ministry has an unjust pay system.

The main rally is being held from 11.30am to 12.30pm outside the new Supreme Court building in Lambton Quay in Wellington while it is being opened by Prince William.

It will involve Ministry of Justice workers who belong to the Public Service Association who have been taking industrial action to support their claim for fair pay and a fair pay system since October 14 last year.

Other rallies to protest the Ministry of Justice staff under paying its staff due to an unjust pay system will be held at midday outside courts and other Ministry worksites throughout the country.

“These workers are holding a peaceful rally during the opening of the new Supreme Court to highlight that they’re underpaid for running something as essential as our justice system,” says PSA national Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

Ministry of Justice figures show its’ staff are being paid 6.3% below the median pay rate for the public service. Some staff are paid as much as 13% below the public service. The Ministry’s largest group of workers, its 1200 court registry officers, are paid 9.25% below the median.

Most court registry officers are paid between $39,600 and $46,600 a year. Their highest pay rate is $53,600. Most court registry support officers are paid between $29,500 and $35,000.Their highest pay rate is $40,000.

“They work for the Ministry of Justice and are asking where is the justice in being underpaid for doing work the country relies on,” says Richard Wagstaff.

Justice workers pay rally at Supreme Court opening by Prince William

When: Today (Monday January 18)

Time: 11.30am -12.30pm

Place: Outside Old Government Buildings, Wellington

Address: Corner Lambton Quay and Whitmore Street

Spokesperson PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff

CTU president Helen Kelly will also be speaking at the rally.

ENDS

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