Risks to services and staff must be managed in Hawkes Bay amalgamation

The Public Service Association (PSA) says that following a Local Government Commission decision to go ahead with the next step in local government amalgamation in Hawkes Bay, the real risks to staff and services must be addressed.

Willie Cochrane, PSA Hawkes Bay organiser, said “Our members working in local government have a range of concerns that amalgamation has failed to sufficiently address,”

“More than 100 workers at the Councils affected by this change are members of the PSA, the national union for local government workers.

“Staff working for the five councils are concerned about the future of their jobs, and of the quality services they provide to residents.

“Regional and rural services stand to be reduced in an amalgamated Hawkes Bay and this is not acceptable.

“It is likely that there will be a referendum held on amalgamation, and our members will have their say as local residents.

“We think the Commission has reached the wrong decision here,” said Willie Cochrane.

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