Statistics NZ staff to strike in Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch

Staff at Statistics NZ offices in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch will be taking a full day of strike action, including a two hour rally, in support of their demand for a pay system that is clear, fair and negotiated, after a breakdown in collective bargaining.

The Public Service Association (PSA) represents more than 400 workers at Statistics NZ who have voted strongly to take a number of forms of industrial action.

Richard Wagstaff, PSA National Secretary, said “Our members are expert statisticians, but even they find their pay system needlessly complex,”

“Statistics have refused any across-the-board pay increase, leaving staff falling further behind the cost of living.

“There is some irony in the very workers who calculate CPI not being able to keep up with it.

“The complex workings of the system mean that staff are locked into training pay grades, unable to progress to a fair salary.

“Despite meeting all performance expectations for the role, workers are often stuck below the midpoints of their pay bands.

“Staff are fed up with Statistics NZ demanding flexibility without offering anything in return.

“Statistics NZ needs to come back with some real pay movement and a commitment to a clear, fair and negotiated pay system,” said Richard Wagstaff.

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