For immediate release
Wednesday 13 April 2011

PSIS staff taking strike action today

Finsec members at PSIS are taking industrial action today to avoid being the latest in a long line of Kiwi workers experiencing a pay cut in real terms. Finsec members throughout the country will be off the job for two hours to send a message to PSIS to come back to bargaining with a better pay offer. Today's industrial action will see some branches close and other impacts on the business.

"Every day in the media we are seeing more and more stories of New Zealanders in strife because wages are not keeping up with rising costs," said Finsec Campaigns Director Tali Williams. "PSIS staff don't want to be in the same boat and rightly view the PSIS offer as a pay cut in real terms."

"Our members want to send a strong message to PSIS that they should come back to the bargaining table with a better pay deal," said Williams. "PSIS staff are working harder than ever before and are feeling the pain of rising costs. They know that the PSIS can afford to come up with a better offer if it values staff."

Bargaining broke down after PSIS wouldn't move on its offers of 2.5% for twelve months and an additional 1.5% for a further six months. Members have twice voted against these offers, largely on the basis of the pay increases being inadequate.

"Good employers need to lead the way with pay offers that keep ahead of rising costs," said Williams. "Today's action is about getting PSIS back to the table and working together on an offer that will be acceptable to their workforce."

ENDS

© Scoop Media