PSA not surprised by “wear and tear” findings in Trans-Tasman’s public service report

A new report by political newsletter Trans-Tasman that finds the public service is showing signs of wear and tear is of no surprise, says the public sector union the PSA.

“The report found that the public service was trying to meet higher public expectations with fewer resources and that managers were under constant strain and weary from “unrelenting pressure” by ministers.

“We are not surprised by the Trans-Tasman report’s findings,” says the union’s National Secretary Brenda Pilott.

“It’s not just managers under constant strain. We know from our members that the “unrelenting pressure” travels through departments and agencies and impacts heavily on workers,” says the union’s National Secretary Brenda Pilott.

“A survey of PSA women members is being launched today and a conservative estimate of its findings shows that our women members are gifting over $545 million a year in extra hours they’re not paid for.

“Our membership represents around 40,000 working women across New Zealand The extra work they’re putting in for no remuneration equates to 1350 jobs.

“That’s a lot of good will on the part of our women members, but that good will is not sustainable when it’s being used to prop up under-resourced agencies and unfilled vacancies.

“We’re also not surprised by the Trans-Tasman’s report finding that interpreting directions from ministers was not always easy.

“Finance Minister Bill English has called on public servants to present new ideas but he’s also made it clear he only wants ideas that don’t have a cost attached to them. He’s even called public servants wafflers and said some should look for another job. These comments and messages are hardly going to increase innovation within the public service.

“Departments and services have been cut back to the bone under this government so it’s no wonder there is wear and tear. Public sector workers had been working longer and harder with fewer resources for some time. What our public sector needs is investment and greater staff involvement in the day-to-day management of agencies to improve efficiency and reduce waste. That’s what will bring about a high performing public sector, not cutbacks and pressure from ministers,” says Brenda Pilott.

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