IRD and PSA finalise new collective agreement, ending industrial dispute

PSA members at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective employment agreement, ending a high-profile industrial dispute.

But PSA delegates have warned the Commissioner of IRD Naomi Ferguson that the next round of bargaining will begin in a few months - and the PSA will want to address outstanding issues.

After three rounds of industrial action, IRD finally agreed to move on pay and pay systems, although it did not meet the PSA members’ request for an across-the-board percentage pay increase to reflect the increasing cost of living.

The new Collective Employment Agreement has a 14 month term, and PSA National Delegates have written to Ms Ferguson to set out what members will expect when bargaining begins in mid 2019.

The PSA will canvas members in early 2019 to establish their bargaining claims in an attempt to avoid the lengthy bargaining process experienced this time around.

"Our members’ industrial action was highly effective - and it succeeded because IRD finally agreed to some of our claims for fairer pay and pay systems," PSA National Secretary Erin Polaczuk says.

"IRD members had not taken industrial action for 22 years, and they’ve enthusiastically accepted this interim deal.

"But the key focus of next year’s bargaining will be the unfinished business from this time around, and we are letting the Commissioner know that."

Ms Polaczuk says many IRD members are still not well paid, and rely on the benefits they themselves administer to make ends meet for their families.

"One in every four PSA members at IRD is paid less than $48,000 a year, and we think they deserve better than this.

"Our members do too, and they’ve done a brilliant job in standing together and asking their employer for a fair go.

"We are very pleased at this good outcome for them - and we look forward to the next round of bargaining."

ENDS

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