Union and employer partners

Union and employer partners

An employment agreement enhancing working conditions for union members, signed between the PSA and the Ministry of Social Development, the largest government department, was significant for both organisations and the state sector as a whole, PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said today.

“The Agreement, which was ratified in mid-July by 83%, is the direct result of the constructive and positive partnership relationship which has been built up over some time between the PSA and MSD. It reflects what can be achieved when employer and union work together in the interests of all as opposed to the more traditional confrontational employer/union relationship. It was also made possible through the industrial relations climate engendered by the Employment Relations Act.”

“The Collective Agreement offers enhanced working conditions to our 2,800 members working at MSD including special family-friendly provisions covering parental leave and long-term leave to look after a sick dependent. There is also a payment in recognition of their contribution through the PSA to the development of the mutually beneficial working partnership between us and the Ministry.”

Richard Wagstaff said the PSA/MSD agreement reflects the commitment by the PSA, government and employers to work together to produce quality public services for New Zealand

“We welcome the positive attitude taken by MSD management in reaching this settlement. We see this as a significant development and one which will establish a framework for other negotiations in the state sector.”

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