PSA MEDIA RELEASE
May 15, 2009
For Immediate Use

Govt recklessly ignoring need to retain Auckland’s local govt workforce

“The Public Service Association is urging the government to give serious consideration to an amendment to its Auckland restructuring legislation that will ensure Auckland retains the workforce it needs to provide vital services,” says PSA national secretary Brenda Pilott.

“In its mad haste to rush the Auckland restructuring legislation through Parliament the government is rejecting amendments moved by the Opposition without pausing long enough to consider the consequences.”

“Our concern is that this shotgun approach will shoot down a crucial amendment that will ensure Auckland retains the skilled and experienced council workers it needs to deliver services the region relies on.”

“This is what the Royal Commission recommended after lengthy consultation and research.”

“But the government rejected the recommendation after only a few days of consideration.”

“An amendment to the government legislation seeks to resurrect the Royal Commission recommendation to retain Auckland’s local government workforce until the region’s new governance structure is established by October next year.”

“We urge the government and Local Government Minister Rodney Hide to slow down, have a cup of tea, and give this amendment serious consideration.”

“We’re concerned that government legislation being rushed through Parliament will see skilled and experienced council staff being cut without considering the impact this may have on the delivery of vital services to Aucklanders.”

Aucklanders rely on their local government workers to provide clean water, reliable roads, rubbish and waste water removal and easy and affordable access to their parks, pools, libraries and recreation centres.

“Our concern is that 1.4 million Aucklanders will pay the price for the government’s bull-at-a-gate approach, which threatens to cut workers that they rely on for vital services.”

“The government’s bulldozer approach to the Auckland restructure means 6000 local government workers have no idea if they will lose their jobs between now and October next year.”

“The government and Minister need to stop and consider the consequences of not ensuring that Auckland retain the skilled and experienced workers it needs to maintain vital services the region relies on,” says Brenda Pilott.

ENDS

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