Stats NZ only have themselves to blame for Food Price Index postponement

The Public Service Association (PSA) says Statistics NZ only have themselves to blame for the indefinite postponement of the release of the Food Price Index: November 2014.

More than 430 Stats NZ staff, based all over the country, have been taking a range of industrial action since September 8, including restrictions on the provision of data by field interviewers, who collect information that official statistics are based on.

Basil Prestidge, PSA assistant secretary, said “This is only the first of what will be many delays if Stats NZ continues to refuse to make a fair offer,”

“Our members are proud of the work they do, but Stats NZ has given them no choice but to take this action.

“Without timely information the decision making functions of different government agencies are at risk.

“The lack of willingness by Stats NZ to agree to a clear, fair and negotiated pay system is to blame for delays in the release of data.

“PSA members at Stats NZ are used to dealing with complex data, but they don’t even have the information required to understand how their pay system works.

“We’ve offered various compromises, but Stats NZ are refusing to budge from their original position.

“The PSA is ready to go back to the bargaining table as soon as Stats NZ are prepared to discuss a clear, fair and negotiated pay system,” said Basil Prestidge.

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