PSA Media Release

Union calls for healthy initiatives throughout state sector workplaces

The PSA is welcoming today's announcement that the government will encourage the state sector to assist healthy nutrition and physical activity choices and calls on all employers in the state sector to make physical activity for employees accessible and convenient.

"If employers encourage healthy nutrition and physical activity in the workplace, both productivity and workplace culture will improve," said Brenda Pilott, PSA National Secretary.

"We are calling on all state sector employers to work with staff and unions to develop practical steps to make workplaces healthy."

"There are many immediate practical steps employers could take like ensuring that fruit and vegetables are available in workplace cafeterias, improving access to stairwells and supporting the formation of sports teams at work."

The PSA is currently undertaking a project looking at how to ensure decent work and decent workplaces in the public sector.

"We know that a decent workplace provides a social community and wellness initiatives provide a sense of belonging to that community," said Brenda Pilott.

The PSA is New Zealand's largest union representing over 55,000 public service workers in local and central government, health and community services.

ENDS

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