Auckland City Council doesn’t get the message

Auckland City Council obviously doesn’t get, or is ignoring, the message given to it by the Employment Court last month, PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said today.

“Auckland City Council has announced its appeal against an Employment Court ruling last month that it must consult with PSA on proposals which may affect staff. Although the Council was required to consult with us under the provisions of the Employment Relations Act it refused. The Court told the Council that was wrong.”

Richard Wagstaff said Auckland City Council seems determined to carry on making unilateral decisions despite a new industrial relations climate which required engagement and consultation.

“Our Employment Relations Act and Local Government Act require good faith employer-employee relationships and active participation by the community in planning and decision-making.”

Richard Wagstaff said where there was no consultation or engagement between the employer and the union the implication was that the employer had something to hide, which was correct in this case.

“The Birch report, which was at the centre of this legal action, recommended slashing council spending and jobs. If cutting jobs affects our members, then we have a right to know.”

Richard Wagstaff said PSA was confident the Employment Court’s ruling would be upheld.

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