23 November 2006

Union considers legal dispute over ‘pay gap’ at Auckland City Council

The union representing staff at Auckland City Council, the Public Service Association, is considering taking legal action against the Council for refusing to comply with its policies for paying staff.

The PSA has been in bargaining with the Council since April 2006. The employer has refused to offer any pay increase.

“The Council has a policy that it will pay ‘market rates’ however they are not complying with it. This has resulted in a pay gap for our members as the salaries are below the market average.” said Richard Wagstaff, PSA National Secretary.

“As a first step, Auckland City Council must agree in bargaining to an immediate pay increase for staff who have faced cost of living increases of at least four percent.”

“While our members are disappointed that the Council has not complied with their own policy, the critical thing is that salaries increase to take into account increases in the cost of living.”

“The Council needs to show its staff some respect by offering them a pay increase which is fair.”

The union will try to resolve this dispute through bargaining and failing that may seek a determination from the Employment Relations Authority.

The PSA is holding union meetings over the coming weeks to discuss the dispute with members and to plan further action.

ENDS

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