MEDIACOM-RELEASE-PSA

The PSA - the union representing Airways Corporation technicians - today said payments made to 'a airways technician was made under legal collective contracts and agreed redundancy provisions.'

PSA organiser Dean Chandler-Mills said what was of interest and importance to New Zealanders was the bid for the British air-traffic control system and the offers to its three executives as part of the deal.

'The issue is not the pre-tax payments to a worker, with about 25 years service, which includes long-service and annual leave and superannuation - end of story!

'If there is any message to be taken from this it is these workers, with the organisation of the PSA, have hung together on a collective contract.

'Because of their collective unity they have been able to hold off attacks on their entitlements over the long years of the Employment Contracts Act,' Mr Chandler-Mills said.

'They shouldn't have to come under media scrutiny for that. I know these guys and they have given their working lives to this one Government organisation and deserve respect and recognition for that,' he said.

'It seems to me the news media have been distracted away from the main issue and are looking for easier targets and workers always seem to be on the media's hit list,' Mr Chandler-Mills said.

ENDS

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