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LOCAL ELECTIONWorking PULLOUT INSIDE Life THE PSA JOURNAL SEPTEMBER 2016

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Call 0800 453 244 or email [email protected] contents 8-11 Stand together for community Working Life: The upcoming local body and DHB elections the PSA Journal Working Life is published quarterly. 12-13 16-17 22-23 Views and opinions expressed in Hui Taumata: Supporting How Australian Working Life do not necessarily our Māori people out of unions changed represent PSA policy. members gather family violence their election Editor: Asher Wilson-Goldman. Design & layout: Dan Phillips. 5 PSA Congress 16-17 Family violence Contributors: Mark Chenery, What’s happening? Supporting people Giselle Clarkson, Colin Feslier, 8-11 Stand for community at work Fleur Fitzsimons, Jess McAllen, Dan Phillips, Jessica Williams, Info on the local elections 17 Sexual harassment Asher Wilson-Goldman and 12-13 Hui Taumata New resource for delegates Jem Yoshioka. Our Māori members’ biennial hui 22-23 International Printing: Webstar, Masterton. 14 Sterile supply Aussie unions PSA Executive Board & the election Mike Tana (president), Dangerous practices at DHBs Gail Arthur, Andrew Colwell, 15 Our oldest delegate 24-25 Networks update Benedict Ferguson, Jenny Goodman, Kathy Higgins, Meet Lorna McIntosh, age 80 26-27 Bargaining update Peter Robertshaw, Marshall Tangaroa, Erin Polaczuk Regulars and Glenn Barclay. PSA contact details 4 President’s message PSA, PO Box 3817, Wellington. 6-7 In brief Freephone 0508 FOR PSA (0508 367 772). 18 Know your rights: Email [email protected]. The local body and DHB elections 19 On the job: Attending a candidates meeting 20 Behind the scenes: Delegate education 21 Worth a look: The NZ Labour Party 1916–2016 28-29 Around & about On the cover Local Govt and DHB election guide, 30 Last word: illustration by Giselle Clarkson. The importance of values www.giselledraws.com www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 3 President’s message

One way to find out more is to STAND attend a local candidates’ meeting. TOGETHER FOR No matter where you are, there COMMUNITY will be at least one event nearby where you can attend, hear from AROUND THE SAME time as candidates and perhaps even ask this issue of Working Life arrives a question about an issue you care in your hands, you’ll also be about. receiving another more important (though perhaps less well designed) We’ve also tried to make things set of documents in the mail. easier – in this issue of Working Life, there’s plenty more on the Across New Zealand, voting papers importance of the upcoming for the local body and district health elections, and a handy pull-out board (DHB) elections should guide to cut through the jargon and be landing in your mailbox from work out what candidates really September 16 – 21, and you have mean. until lunchtime on October 8 to get these back. On our Stand Together campaign Facebook page (facebook.com/ As PSA members, it’s really standtogetherNZ) we’ve been important that we have our say, and profiling a number of candidates for encourage our friends and whānau a wide range of councils and DHBs, to make their voices heard as well. many of whom are proud union Who gets elected to represent us members. on our local councils and district There are a number of PSA health boards impact on the future members standing for office around of our communities in ways far the country, and I send them my beyond the typical rubbish and best wishes. I’m also excited to be rates (though these are important). one of them – I’ve put my name services for the people who need Good local body candidates mean forward to be the next mayor of my them. When things go wrong, we put commitments to making our hometown, . our faith in the nurses, doctors and councils Living Wage employers, other hospital staff to ensure our to keeping libraries and swimming No matter what happens in the health. That makes it all the more pools open in our suburbs. It means elections, this is my last President’s the difference between affordable important that we elect good people Message column, as a new PSA housing and freezing out first-home to district health boards. president will be elected at our Congress in Wellington in late buyers, and it means ensuring that It can be hard to judge who to vote the areas we live in have parks, September. It has been an honour for in local elections. Unlike in trees, and the other things that and a privilege to serve you for national elections, most people make raising our families a little the last four years, and with our don’t have a political party easier. hard work I’m sure our union will affiliation to use as an easy way continue to thrive in the years to to figure out their policies. Local Likewise, our district health boards come. help contribute to making our media doesn’t have the resources public health system one that to focus on most of the races, so Kia kaha respects the staff working in it outside of the biggest centres, it can Ngā mihi nui kia koutou katoa while ensuring the best possible be hard to find details. Mike Tana

4 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Congress Delegates at the last PSA Congress in 2014.

PSA Congress coming soon

EVERY SECOND YEAR, more than to the general election next year, as This would give the network the 100 PSA delegates from across the part of our plan to make sure the right to participate at the next country gather for our biennial next government properly values Congress in 2018, and give it a Congress. The highest decision quality public and community formal role in our union structure. making body in our union, Congress services, and the people who work delegates elect our president, decide hard to deliver them. Another proposal, from the Youth on major strategy and set the rules Network, would create a specific by which we all operate. Attendees will attend two out of youth role on each of our Sector four workshops to hear from experts Committees and the Executive Board This year, Congress will be held on and discuss what the PSA should be to ensure the existence of a youth 20 and 21 September at Te Papa in doing about each of four topic areas: voice in PSA’s leadership structures. Wellington. Four candidates have privatisation, equal pay, building been nominated for the role of Māori activism and mental health. Congress is also a time to socialise, president: Andy Colwell ( The results of these workshops and to build bonds of friendship DHB), Benedict Ferguson (Auckland will help to inform our campaign across the various parts of our union. Council), Janet Quigley (Canterbury for next year’s election, and our People working in local government DHB) and Peter Robertshaw ongoing work in these areas. in Northland will talk with public (Ministry of Justice). servants from Invercargill and home Delegates at Congress will also support workers in Wellington. You can find out more discuss and vote on a number of Connected by our PSA membership about each of them at rule changes. Under the PSA rules, and a shared desire to build better psa.org.nz/presidentialcandidates, proposals at Congress can be made working lives for all, Congress is and we will have an in-depth by the executive board, a sector one place where the strength of our interview with the successful committee, Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa 62,000 members is keenly felt. candidate in the next issue of Āwhina, or one of our clusters or Working Life. formal networks. To keep up with Congress as it happens, keep an eye on our Congress will also be the launching Amongst this year’s proposals is Facebook page, facebook.com/ pad for the next stage of our Stand one to make our Deaf and Disabled nzpsa for live reporting and photos. Together campaign. The campaign Members Network our fifth formal The December issue of Working will highlight the wonderful work network (alongside Women’s, Out@ Life will also have a full report from our PSA members do in the build-up PSA, Youth and Pasefika). Congress.

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 5 IN BRIEF

NEW MINISTRY ON THE WAY

ANNE TOLLEY, THE minister of social plan to the new agency, to make Another issue we’ll be keeping an eye development, has announced that sure the move is as simple and on is the possible use of contracting the Ministry for Vulnerable Children, straightforward as possible for the out core services as a way of de- Oranga Tamariki (MVCOT) will come 4000 people expected to work at skilling the workforce and lowering into existence on 1 April 2017. MVCOT. wages. The Ministry, which will be headed Massive workloads have been a We know that the best chance for our by current Bupa Care Services boss major issue for many years now that whānau is to have qualified social Gráinne Moss, will encompass the have impacted on the quality of care staff and functions currently handled provided, and it’s crucial that this is workers working alongside them, by Child Youth and Family and some addressed as plans are developed for and we will make sure that this is other Ministry of Social Development the new ministry. heard loud and clear throughout (MSD) functions including part of the planning process for the new Community Investment. Our MSD members are passionate Ministry. about helping whānau to thrive, but Our intention is to work constructively they need the time to do their jobs Read our submission: with MSD over the transition properly. psa.org.nz/mvcotsubmission

INCREDIBLY BRIEF WELLINGTON MAYORAL CANDIDATES' FORUM

• OUR SOCIAL WORKERS SEVEN OF WELLINGTON'S mayoral with asset sales a hot topic, along action network held their hopefuls gathered at PSA House for with the candidates’ opinions on the conference on 1-2 Sept. Full the first candidates' meeting of the role of the public service in the city. 2016 local body elections. report in next Working Life. Mr Lester, Ms Ritchie and Mr Justin Lester, Jo Coughlan, Helene Leggett all came out firmly in • WE HELPED REVEAL some Ritchie, Keith Johnson, Nicola favour of Wellington becoming an state sector retirement funds Young, Andy Foster and Nick accredited Living Wage employer. are investing in weaponry, Leggett each gave a two-minute and called for change: elevator pitch setting out their The question-and-answer session psa.org.nz/ssrssarms election platform - and answered was off the record, but you can questions from the audience. watch a video of the two-minute • CHECK OUT PHOTOS from elevator pitches at the inaugural Māori language Top of the agenda was privatisation, psa.org.nz/mayoralforum. week parade in Wellington: psa.org.nz/maorilanguageweek

• WE JOINED HIGH school WINNERS students in Wellington calling Congratulations to Louise Ryan, for equal pay for women: Megan Manson and Lanie psa.org.nz/equalpayschool Palm, who each won a copy of The Interregnum: Rethinking • PSA LIBRARY DELEGATES New Zealand and a PSA tea held their first national towel from the June issue. conference, focussed on equal pay and the future of libraries.

6 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 IN BRIEF

BUMPER BOOK PRIZE PACK GIVEAWAY THIS ISSUE WE have a bumper book and The Union, 100 Years Strong, and prize pack to give away! a PSA tea towel.

1ST PRIZE: Labour: The New 3RD PRIZE: White-Collar Radical, Zealand Labour Party 1916–2016 The State and The Union, 100 Years by Peter Franks & Jim McAloon, Strong, and a PSA tea towel. Tragedy at Pike River Mine by 4TH PRIZE: The State and The Union, Rebecca Macfie, White-Collar 100 Years Strong, and a PSA tea towel. Radical: Dan Long and the Rise of White-Collar Unions by Mark Derby, To be in to win, take a selfie of The State and The Union: An Oral yourself reading Working Life and History of the PSA, 1984-2012 by send it to [email protected] by Mary Ellen O’Connor, 100 Years October 31st. Creativity will be taken Strong: NZPSA 1913-2013 by Megan into account! Cook, and a PSA centenary tea towel. Read a full review of Labour: The 2ND PRIZE: Tragedy at Pike River 1916– Mine, White-Collar Radical, The State 2016 on page 21.

BEYOND HR – NEW BOOKLET LAUNCHED

IN AUGUST, THE PSA hosted Accompanying his tour, we’re Our Workplaces. We are continuing David Coats, an English expert in pleased to launch Beyond Human to encourage employers to adopt employment and high-engagement, Resources: Towards the High- high-engagement strategies for ten packed days of meetings, Engagement Workplace, a short which involve managers working seminars and presentations in booklet about the development of alongside PSA members to improve Auckland and Wellington. While human resources and the changes our working lives, and we have a here, David, the former head of that the HR sector needs to make in number of successful pilots and economic and social affairs for the order to better foster engagement programmes underway. UK’s Congress, spoke from people in our workplaces. Read the booklet online – to a number of audiences about the psa.org.nz/hrbook future of work, how to create highly David’s support of high-engagement engaged workplaces, and the role of models aligns well with the PSA’s unions. strategic agenda of Transforming

WELLINGTON KIDS SAY TIME FOR EQUAL PAY

CHILDREN IN WORTH 100% equal unions, business and government national secretary Erin Polaczuk said pay t-shirts presented the PSA’s representatives, was signed by more that her hope was that by the time petition on Parliament steps to Labour than 10,400 people from across New her daughter started her working life, MP Sue Moroney in early September. Zealand. her pay would not be defined by her gender. The petition, which called on the Having children hand over the petition Government to adopt the equal symbolised the importance of equal Thanks to everyone who had their say pay principles negotiated by pay for future generations. PSA by signing and sharing the petition.

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 7 Feature Stand together for community

Illustration by Giselle Clarkson. 8 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Feature

Union values unite us, and union values drive us. At every level we pursue these values, from bargaining to dispute resolution – and our campaigning work is no exception.

Story by Jessica Williams

WHATEVER YOUR POLITICAL work and how much they care. The “They start off talking about persuasion, as PSA members we challenge for this year is making playgrounds and libraries, and then believe in good jobs, fair pay and a sure we transmit that vision to all as we go around the room, people working life that allows you time to our members – and that we all vote think about more services – and rest with your whānau. accordingly. they see the breadth of stuff they do get. Rubbish collection, maintaining But one size doesn’t fit all – and First, there’s the question of pavements, dog control and every community has its own set of getting people to fill in their ballot. licensing … they build up a good list. issues which play into these values. Turnout’s been declining over The richer the picture people come That’s why we’ve adopted our Stand the past 25 years, and in 2013 just up with, the more they see how local Together model of campaigning. 41% of enrolled New Zealanders government relates to them.” From a small town fighting to bothered to return their postal vote. keep its library open, to a big city That’s down 8% on 2011. In some WHAT’S STAND aiming to protect their assets from privatisation: our members are areas, the figures were even worse: TOGETHER ALL ABOUT? telling us what matters. And when just 1 in 3 Aucklanders voted in It’s easy to point the finger at voters we stand up to make our voices 2013. and say they don’t see how their heard, we know our fellow PSA rates are spent and so they don’t Local Government New Zealand members are with us. vote. But David Talbot suggests points at a slide in turnout in seeing it another way: decision So far we’ve seen Stand Together general elections too, suggesting makers and institutions don’t take work in the industrial context, with Kiwis feel disengaged from the time to explain where our excellent results in the Auckland democracy generally, and even money goes, and what we get in Allied Health bargaining and the more so when presented with return. Aviation Security dispute. Now complicated voting systems like So if they aren’t doing it, we will. we’re taking it to this year’s local STV. But on a day-to-day basis we Our plan with Stand Together is government and district health have far more contact with local simple. We want people to see board (DHB) elections. We’re using government. We’re talking about that local government’s worth Stand Together to get people excited the parks we walk our dogs in, the about the elections and help them getting excited about. We want swimming pools we visit on the choose candidates that support and everyone to see we’re getting value weekend, the library that serves our promote their values. for money. And we want everyone kids. So what will it take? to understand the people behind our local services don’t just do a WE’RE EXCITED ABOUT Research conducted by UMR for great job – they’re building great LOCAL GOVERNMENT the PSA confirmed these findings. communities. The PSA is made up of thousands Research director David Talbot says of members in local government they start by asking focus groups Our Local Heroes campaign is and we see first-hand how hard they what they think their rates pay for. bringing local government to life.

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 9 Feature

We’re inviting our members country. The Ministry of Health says blows about “cutting wasteful to nominate people in their demand will double by 2020 – but spending” and “trimming excess” community who give their all, every do we have the resources to cope? – while being evasive about where day. It brings our members’ jobs to the savings would come from, and life. They’re real people who love INCREASING TURNOUT how they’d manage to pay for all their work and love the place they Local Government New Zealand the expanded services they were live. And the services they provide (LGNZ) is aiming to get more New promising. make our towns and cities terrific Zealanders involved. In their words, PSA national secretary Glenn places to live. healthy democracy depends on Barclay shakes his head at this. “The people voting – and unless the disturbing thing is that Auckland’s THE MAIN ISSUES THIS decline in voter turnout can be rates are pretty moderate. All the TIME AROUND reversed, it’ll suffer. candidates seem to have some Our members are tired. Year upon element of saying we’ve got to look year of pressure to do more with at some form of job losses or cuts of less is starting to take its toll. some sort. It’s unfortunate this is the Across our sectors, the cracks are focus.” showing. We asked you what your Far too many big big issues were, and your answers companies think He suggests asking questions shaped our campaign. about the relationship between job they rule the roost cuts and service cuts – and how In local government, our election candidates will stop Auckland’s work will focus on keeping public in our towns ... all quality of life from suffering. services in public hands. This will include water, social housing and of us can stand MAKING CHANGES AND crucial council assets. We also want BACKING JOBS THAT to concentrate on keeping our local together and make democracies alive, and encouraging COUNT vibrant communities, with the our votes count.” In the future, local government rights of local iwi respected and elections could become a focus for input from other migrant groups. LGNZ has set a target of 50 per cent nationwide campaigns. As part of its campaign to hold Talley’s AFFCO to And then there’s the issue of turnout and it’s launched a social media campaign #VoteNZ2016 to account, the Meat Workers’ Union fair pay and conditions for local is supporting candidates to stand encourage people to get involved. government employees – including in towns like Wairoa, Moerewa and Eight councils are trialling online the Living Wage. Wellington’s still Whanganui. They’re hoping this voting this time around. There’s the only council that’s made a will put pressure on Talley’s over also a Kids Voting initiative aimed firm commitment to this, and our issues like health and safety, waste at 11 to 15 year olds, encouraging members have been making a point processing and respecting unions. of asking the question at every them to discuss issues, “vote” for candidate meeting. candidates and compare their Union delegate Bertie Ratu lost her results against the official count. job with Talley’s AFFCO because she DHB elections will centre on the visited members at the Rangiuru issues flowing from the $1.7 billion AUCKLAND: THE RATES plant. She’s standing for the Western that’s missing from the health DEBATE Bay of Plenty District Council budget since National came to because she wants to make sure It’s deeply disappointing that in power. Our members want better Talley’s is accountable to ratepayers. access to services and better Auckland, the mayoral race might funding for community providers. well end up being about who’s It’s the brainchild of former CTU We’re also highlighting the specific prepared to commit to the biggest President, Helen Kelly: “Far too case of mental health. We know rate cuts. The main contenders many big companies think they rule services are in crisis across the came out of the blocks trading the roost in our towns ... all of us

10 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Feature

can stand together and make our votes count.” PSA members aren’t just adding their support to Stand Together – some are standing as candidates in these elections. WHY ARE SO MANY “TICKETS” Meet a selection: APPEARING? Zoe Brownlie The Labour and Green parties have often Standing for: Auckland DHB stood candidates in local elections, but “I want to see an improved low-cost system where every increasingly we’re seeing local tickets person in Auckland feels listened to and in control of their own spring up in major cities. It’s a way to healthcare.” group together candidates who share similar values – and it’s seen as a way Mike Tana for voters to cut through the hype and Standing for: Porirua Mayor choose how to cast their votes. “If we’re serious about unleashing our city’s potential we need to strengthen our communities. Our people deserve safe Local tickets such as the People’s Choice healthy homes to live in, and good wages for their hard work.” in Christchurch, in Auckland, and Community Voice in Hamilton are Nick Johnston supporting initiatives like affordable Standing for: Hamilton City Council housing, good public facilities, and the “I’m passionate about helping others and serving our Living Wage. These tickets also clearly community. This is what has motivated me in my role as a state what they are against such as public servant and community advocate.” privatisation, and a lack of public green space for whānau to enjoy. Erin Hodgson Standing for: West Harbour Community Board, Dunedin “It’s a way to present voters with a “I’m uniquely placed to give our younger residents a voice, and grouping of candidates who largely to fight for a stronger, safer, smarter and more sustainable agree,” PSA campaign organiser Conor community.” Twyford says, “the political landscape is changing, and we’re seeing more Jake McLellan and more groups coalescing around Standing for: Central Ward Community Board, particular issues.” Christchurch “I really believe that more young people need to get involved in WHAT’S NEXT FOR STAND making decisions and understanding and contributing to the TOGETHER? governance of our city and our communities.” We’re already casting our minds to the general election in 2017, when we’ll reach Lisa Wall out to members again and ask them to Standing for: New Plymouth District Council help shape our election asks. “Council’s role is to serve the people of its community. I believe it has a social responsibility to ensure everyone within our We’ll continue to Stand Together to community is given a voice.” support candidates who believe in good jobs, fair pay, warm affordable Steve York homes and vibrant democracy. We want Standing for: Northland DHB ordinary working New Zealanders to “If I want to make a real difference to the health of those living have a say in how their community and in Northland, I’ve got to be sitting at the big table. Many of my their country has run. And if that takes a patients have shared with me and I know first hand where our change of government, we might need to health sector needs improvement.” say that too.

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 11 Te Rūnanga

Hui Taumata 2016 Māori PSA members from across the country came together for kai, korero and ranga wairua.

CONFERENCE SEASON IS upon the second day of the hui. represented, and why we’re happy us, with Congress, SWAN, local to continue denying Māori an equal government library delegates, the Ka Tu Tahi Tātou (Stand Together’s voice” he said in his address. Women’s Network and Te Rūnanga te reo name) calls for all political Judd received enthusiastic applause o Ngā Toa Āwhina (TRONTA) all parties to value the work that our members do, properly fund our as well as a spontaneous haka at the holding hui within a span of three public and community services and end of his speech. months. This year’s TRONTA Hui commit to no further privatisation. Taumata ran from 24 to 26 August, Dr Lance O’Sullivan addressed the and saw more than 80 Māori Hui attendees were encouraged to hui on Friday. New Zealander of the delegates and PSA staff come participate in the campaign. Our Year in 2014 for his health work in together at Orongomai Marae in Māori members are the core of the rural communities, O’Sullivan was Upper Hutt. organising and campaign work warmly welcomed by hui attendees that we do and will be vital to the as a Māori with a lot of mana and Orongomai Marae was founded as success of the campaign. knowledge to share. an inclusive space that welcomes all Māori ‘from the four winds’ For O’Sullivan, an important part of KEYNOTE SPEAKERS of Aotearoa, and is supported by his work is what he calls “servant the iwi of Te Āti Awa. Orongomai Our keynote speaker on the first day leadership”, being born with an means ‘the place of Rongomai’, was New Plymouth mayor Andrew inherent desire to serve others, who was an ancestor and patron of Judd. His time in office has been followed by a considered decision to the iwi whose tīpuna arrived in the marked by controversy over his lead. He believes that Māori “have Kurahaupō waka. advocacy for Māori representation. this trait in bucket-loads”, and wants Describing himself as ‘a recovering to develop other young leaders. STAND TOGETHER FOR racist’, Judd spoke passionately on O’Sullivan shared his work on MĀORI his personal journey as well as the difficulties he’s faced in pushing for vMoko, an app that allows trained The theme of this year’s Hui Māori seats on the New Plymouth non-clinical volunteers to identify Taumata was ‘Stand Together’, tying District Council. and record a range of simple the hui in with the PSA’s campaign medical issues in children and for quality public and community “We need to ask ourselves as send them on to a GP. Parents can services. Campaign organiser Conor Pākehā, why we react so strongly access and add to this information, Twyford spoke to the attendees on to the idea of Māori being properly allowing those closest to the child to

12 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Te Rūnanga

add often missing vital information and perspectives.

“Anger and courage,” O’Sullivan said of what drives him in his work. “Anger at how things are, and the courage to change them.”

SECTOR STALLS Five market-stall styled desks were set up on Friday, to present Māori work and successes in each of The sector marketplace our five sectors. Attendees from was a huge success. Hui Taumata 2016 each sector stood up and told hui attendees about their achievements and challenges in a wide variety of workplaces, from local government to home-support workers.

Some stark differences were highlighted about how different kinds of work are resourced, showing that there are still obstacles to overcome in recognising the importance of some

types of work, particularly in the An old logo meets the Community Public Services sector. new in these home-made t-shirts. Some challenges across many worksites were recognised, such president, to the treaty obligations as the ongoing struggle to achieve MIKE DROP of the union. A number of hui Māori participation at higher Outgoing PSA president Mike Tana attendees will also be at Congress management levels, and promoting was given a fond farewell on Friday in September, giving them a vote on Te Reo and Tikanga Māori in the afternoon, and was presented with who will be elected as our union’s workplace. a gift from the hui organisers. Mike new leader. spoke of his time with the PSA, the HUI POLITICS That evening the marae hosted a achievements that Māori delegates It wouldn’t be a union hui without Māori MPs backbenchers’ session, have made within the organisation, a strong political element. On featuring Marama Davidson from and his current bid to be elected Thursday afternoon, three of the the Green Party, Labour’s Kelvin . four candidates for PSA president Davis, and the Māori Party’s Te arrived to introduce themselves to Ururoa Flavell. Te Komiti for Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa attendees and field questions from Āwhina worked hard to make this Strong themes that came out of the floor. Andy Colwell was unable year’s Hui Taumata a success, and that evening included the future of to attend due to illness. attendees left with new connections work for Māori in New Zealand, and and inspiration for the work ahead Benedict Ferguson, Janet Quigley, the need to future-proof through of them, to keep improving the working and Peter Robertshaw each sustainable practices, better lives of our Māori members. answered questions ranging from education, and investing in more the possibility of a Māori co- tech jobs. By Dan Phillips

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 13 Health

Dangerous DHB practices revealed Two sterile supply technicians spoke to Working Life under the condition of anonymity (so as not to risk their employment) about conditions at their respective DHBs.

A STERILE SUPPLY technician standard ruling that indicates “an “This was going into a sterile body who works in the North Island says item labelled as or intended for cavity and he surely would be giving hospitals have been overruling what single use shall not be reprocessed himself an infection which would manufacturers say about single-use or reused.” require costly antibiotics when they equipment. could have just given him another The role of sterile services and catheter.” “The reason they are single use is sterile supply technicians is because they are hard to clean or “pivotal” to the provision of surgery When the Minister of Health within hospitals, she says. the sterilisation process doesn’t Jonathan Coleman was questioned sterilise them properly once they “The role of the sterile supply about it in Parliament he was are used once.” technician is to ensure that when shocked. a patient goes for surgery they The sterilisation departments claim “I find that pretty unlikely because they are being pushed aside by not only get operated on by an that would be a source of infection, surgeons and nurses, despite having experienced surgeon, but that the so that would not be correct for trained specifically in the theory equipment is decontaminated, the core practice. And I would and science behind sterilisation. cleaned and put through a sterilisation process by a sterile find it hard to believe that is really “Unfortunately it comes down to supply technician who has an in- happening.” budget rather than what’s better for depth knowledge of the theory and Yet, according to sterile supply the patient,” he says. science behind that work.” technicians at DHBs across the While his DHB is taking measures In 2016 it was discovered, she says, country, it is happening. to be increase safety – when he first that a South Island DHB thought it started they were reusing the cord was okay to reuse clearly marked “There are numerous more cases of cutting clamps for umbilical cords “single use” vaginal pessaries on this kind of action out there,” says – the technician is concerned about women as long as they had gone to the sterile supply technician from what the public don’t know. sterile services. the South Island.

A South Island sterile supply Only last month, it was reported “The public would be horrified to technician believes things haven’t by TVNZ that nurses at Waitemata know what is happening. NZSSA gotten better and sterile supply DHB had advised an elderly cancer and sterile services are trying to technicians are undervalued. patient to hand wash his single use stop these practices but face an catheter and then reuse it – going uphill battle.” “Single use items are just that: against the instructions on his single use,” she says, referring to a packaging and advice of his GP. By Jess McAllen

14 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Delegate profile

80 years and still going strong

At 80 years old, Manukau District Court judge’s assistant Lorna McIntosh is the PSA’s oldest delegate – and she shows no signs of slowing down.

IT’S HARD TO find a time to talk with for “the ultimate chocolate cake” – it People would go and collect vegetables McIntosh because she fills her life to has raspberries – to rise, but I can call and help each other. the brim. She has a son, a daughter, again in 20. “I grew up with a strong sense of five grandchildren and two great social responsibility and that’s why I grandchildren. When she’s not working McIntosh says she stepped up to like being with people who are really – specifically dealing with pacific and be a delegate because she believes fighting to survive. My family and rangatahi youth court procedures – passionately in unions and comes children seem to have inherited it.” she’s a full-time caregiver for her 62 from a strong background of unionism. year old husband, Eric. “Even when I was an employer for 33 When she’s not flat-out with family and work duties – luckily, McIntosh thrives McIntosh is the definition of high years, I was probably the strongest off organisation – you can find her achiever, her roll call of honours supporter of unions in the company. sewing or baking. includes: former national president “Union delegates are never the most for the United Nations Development “I’m making marmalade late at night popular people,” she says. Fund for Women (now NZ Women), these days. The Maori Women’s Welfare area director for international business “You get blamed for everything. If you Conference is later this month and my women’s organisation, Zonta, and a don’t get a rise, you didn’t work hard branch is filling up the bags for people. member of the Maori Women’s Welfare enough. It’s certainly different from the We’re making little pots of jam and League. In 2000, she was awarded the days of compulsory unionism.” preserves to put in each one.” Officer of the New Zealand Order of Recently, the wind had been shaking Merit for Services to the Community During the 1951 wharf lockout, her lemon and orange tree, leaving a and Services to Business. McIntosh was a young girl living in a carpet of fruit outside and McIntosh state housing area in Auckland. She can’t stand to see food go to waste. The first afternoon I try to call says the atmosphere at the time was McIntosh, she was coordinating all-consuming. “I like craft and concentrating on a pōwhiri with kaumātua for the something different,” she says. “It’s “I could see all the effects. I saw swearing in of a new judge. The second probably what keeps me going.” time, her colleague tells me she’s at the everybody get together...that sense of doctor. Third time lucky: she’s waiting community. By Jess McAllen

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 15 Family violence

Supporting people experiencing family violence For far too many New Zealanders, family violence is a reality. It doesn’t end at home – our workplaces can be places of respite, and the financial security they can offer can help us to escape, but the harm violence does also has a significant impact there.

AS A UNION we’re proud to lead the the Domestic Violence—Victims’ The women’s ex-partner knew where way on making employers address Protection Bill, which would ensure she worked, and what time she family violence as a workplace issue. that all people, no matter where they would be arriving and leaving, and Following local and international worked, had access to the support they her employer refused to move her research, and some excellent need. to another location. It was this that experiences from our Australian sister helped Jan realise that employers “To me it’s about creating an even unions, we are consistently pushing needed support to take a lead on this playing field and ensuring that every for employers we deal with to adopt issue. victim has the same protections and policies and clauses in collective the same opportunities for getting help agreements that support those In order for Parliament to have a across the country,” Jan says, “when experiencing family violence. chance of voting on this proposed we know that 1 in 3 women over their law, it needs to be drawn in a random These supports include training for lifetime is likely to be a victim of family ballot from amongst dozens of other management and HR, explicit policies violence, and 1 in 20 will be in that proposed pieces of legislation. Jan says on family violence, paid leave for situation right now, it doesn’t make she would love it if the Government court and counselling, a commitment sense to only do this in a piecemeal recognised the importance of this not to discriminate against those way.” law change and agreed to put it to experiencing family violence, and Parliament immediately. safety measures including changing WORK SHOULD BE SAFE start/finish times, workplace locations, Prior to becoming an MP, Jan worked “I would be very happy to work email addresses and phone numbers at a Women’s Refuge, and worked with this Government to pass this for those at risk of being harassed or with a woman who was trying to leave legislation – I don’t need it to be mine, attacked at work. her abusive partner. “She needed the I just want it to be implemented,” money that work provided, to pay back though Jan adds that she doesn’t think Green Party MP Jan Logie has also debt that he had racked up, and so it is likely to happen under the current championed this issue, and became a she had to keep working, but he knew Government, saying “I’ve spoken PSA member to support our work in where she worked, and that put her life several times to different ministers this area. She has drafted legislation, at risk.” within the Government and the

16 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Family violence

response I’ve had is ‘that’s interesting only other people who know that but we don’t need it’.” somebody is in danger.” More information In the interim, some organisations NOT A PERSONAL ISSUE Domestic Violence—Victims’ like the GCSB and The Warehouse are One of the biggest obstacles to putting Protection Bill introducing measures.The Warehouse better supports in place is the idea that http://bit.ly/2bAQiOd are developing an app for managers family violence is only an issue for to use when a staff member discloses Family Violence: It’s Not OK those experiencing it. Jan is clear that it their experience of family violence, http://areyouok.org.nz/ isn’t a personal issue, it’s a societal one. and Jan says “that kind of creative “The sense I get from some people in thinking saves lives, it’s awesome.” Need help? business and ministers is that family Women’s Refuge To support Jan’s proposed law, write violence is a home issue, and we https://womensrefuge.org.nz/ to minister Michael Woodhouse at can just leave it to people to sort out 0800 733 843 [email protected] and themselves, it’s a bit messy and we tell him you want the Government to National Collective of Rape Crisis don’t want to get involved. But there’s pass the Domestic Violence—Victims’ and Related Groups Aotearoa so many things wrong with that – we Protection Bill. http://www.rapecrisisnz.org.nz/ know from the Family Violence Death 0800 88 33 00 Review that often, colleagues are the By Asher Wilson-Goldman

Delegate resources New resource for delegates dealing with sexual harassment

FOR MANY OF us, sexual The booklet provides useful As the booklet says, “by working harassment is a reality in our definitions, details of the impact of toward a culture where negative and workplaces. A recent State Services sexual harassment, how it differs inappropriate words and actions are Commission survey of state from other forms of bullying and not tolerated you are ensuring that your place of employment is safer, servants found that 1% of people harassment, and the law. more productive and a lot more reported being sexually harassed in Our role as PSA delegates and enjoyable – for everyone.” the workplace in the previous year. members in confronting sexual Download the booklet: For PSA delegates, responding to harassment and ensuring our organisations have strong policies psa.org.nz/sexualharassment sexual harassment can be complex and procedures in place is – needing to address the issue while extensively covered, so that anyone ensuring that those who have been can make sure they know what harassed are not subject to further to do, and how their organisation victimisation. should act where sexual harassment A new resource, Calling Out Sexual is reported. Harassment: A guide to dealing with Lastly, the booklet has a step-by- sexual harassment and creating step guide that delegates can use Calling Out Sexual safe, respectful workplaces is now to make sure that a person who has Harassment available to help guide delegates been sexually harassed gets the A guide to dealing with sexual harassment and members through dealing with support they need to raise the issues and creating safe, respectful workplaces the issue. in ways that keep them safe.

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 17 Know your rights by the PSA Legal Beagles

with a candidate or political party in the election without first checking, and ensuring you comply with, your employer’s policy on secondary employment.

Don’t: use or disclose information from your work.

Don’t: wear anything that identifies your employer at a public meeting or YOUR RIGHT TO GET the following guidance for members rally, or if you’re delivering leaflets in standing for election and for those ACTIVE IN THE LOCAL the community. who are actively involved in current BODY ELECTIONS campaigns. It’s important to note that some All New Zealanders, including all PSA councils and district health boards Do: agree to do volunteer work for members, have the democratic right to have their own guidelines for participate in the important upcoming candidates, parties or groups who you support in the elections. involvement in election activity. They local government and district health may be stricter than the law requires. board elections. Do: feel free to express your political If they are, you are not required to Under the New Zealand Bill of Rights views through social media, but only abide by them. We ask that you advise Act 1990, PSA members including in a private capacity and in your own the PSA if this is the case so that we public servants, local government time. In your social media profile, can seek to have them changed. employees and district health board you might choose to make it clear employees have the same rights as that these are your views as a private any other New Zealanders to be active individual and not mention where you ADVICE FOR CANDIDATES work. in election campaigns. If you are standing as a candidate, the PSA has produced You can stand as a candidate or Do: attend public meetings or rallies specific advice for you which is actively campaign in support of a in your own time (e.g. lunch breaks available here: candidate or party. You have the right and after work). to actively support a political party or Do: help with fundraising activities for For local body candidates – a candidate in the elections in your a candidate or assist with leaflet drops psa.org.nz/localgovtadvice personal capacity, in your own time, in the community in your own time. using your own resources. This means For DHB candidates – you can help with fundraising, leaflet Don’t: use work printers to make psa.org.nz/dhbadvice drops and any other kind of support. campaign leaflets or posters, and don’t Need further advice? use work computers to receive or send The PSA will always encourage Get in touch with the PSA political information. members to be active and informed Organising Centre on citizens and defend the rights of Don’t: arrange to hold any meetings 0508 367 772, or talk to your members to be political. on your work premises. PSA organiser. To make it easier, we’ve developed Don’t: take on paid employment

18 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 On the job By Jess McAllen

ENGAGING WITH LOCAL GOVERNMENT While for some, the topic of unions summons an image of “old men shouting about communism”, Ministry of Health statistician Ruby Grant is praising the PSA for embracing younger workers. Wellington mayoral candidates forum.

Grant was one of a hundred PSA members who attended a gathering “He was pretty onto it in terms body politics can be a maze when it of Wellington’s mayoral candidates of his responses to the housing comes to influence. at the PSA office on August 15. questions. They were well thought out but not too polished. His answers “It’s often hard to believe local The event was organised as part of felt honest...not just a random politics does matter. Mayors don’t the PSA’s work on the local body throwaway policy line. actually have that much power. elections, to allow Wellington They still have to work within the members to hear what candidates Nicola Young, on the other hand, confines of the council. It doesn’t had to say on the issues that PSA appeared “disingenuous”. really matter who the next mayor is, members care about. “In the past she has stated that she but who is on the council.” disagreed with warrant of fitness Justin Lester, Jo Coughlan, Helene The session lasted for around an Ritchie, Keith Johnson, Nicola policies for rental properties but at hour and a diverse and full crowd Young, Andy Foster and Nick Leggett this meeting she was for them.” attended, both young and old. There each delivered a two-minute pitch Grant went into the session without was a healthy mix of heckling and outlining their election promises and a favourite but now has an inkling some slightly-irritating quips from answered off the record questions of who she will be voting for come from the audience. old members along the lines of: October. “remember that sign you had 12 Grant attended the session because years ago”. “I was originally just going to vote of an interest in local politics – particularly surrounding issues for Celia because I think she’s great “It’s cool the PSA is doing stuff like such as rental housing quality and but she pulled out. Part of the reason this,” says Grant. affordability, and public transport. I went was to figure out who to vote for. “I’ve been working in government “I’ve rented all my life,” she says, for a couple of years now but I only “I wasn’t expecting to be impressed “and, like most people, will probably joined PSA about half a year ago. It by Justin Lester but I think I’m going be renting all my life.” can feel a bit idealistic. That’s why to vote for him.” I like it when they do things I can Justin Lester was a surprise for Grant. While Grant takes her mayoral pick engage with and things that can seriously, she also admits local reach out to potential members.”

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 19 Behind the scenes by Asher Wilson-Goldman

DELEGATE EDUCATION

In our workplaces, if members are our lifeblood, then delegates are the beating heart that keep the PSA alive. More than 3400 of us are currently delegates, having been elected by our colleagues to lead our union activity, from recruitment to disciplinary meetings, from planning for the future to collective bargaining negotiations.

The scope of a delegates work can be huge, but not everyone does everything – we’re in this together for Wellington delegates at a recent training course. everyone’s benefit, and so we share the work with our fellow delegates and at least one of our regular courses, to catch up with people again and see with other union members, alongside including not just BPWR, but also what’s changed in the intervening support from PSA staff. the level two Enhancing Productive months. Workplace Relations two-day course It’s important that becoming a Becoming a delegate is a great thing, and our Bicultural Unionism one-day delegate isn’t seen as something and it’ll give you skills and experiences training. scary, but rather is a welcoming and that will be with you for the rest of empowering action that everyone Delegates at a recent training course your life and help in your career and feels supported to take. When you are in Wellington told Working Life that your community. Next year, at annual elected as a delegate, you’ll be sent out the training itself was good, but the members’ meetings, we’ll be electing an introductory delegate guide that best part was the space it created new delegates at every worksite – take has a bunch of information about your to get together with delegates from the step and volunteer. rights, responsibilities, and where you other parts of the PSA, and hearing can go to get advice if you need it. about what is happening in their organisations. You’ll also be enrolled in your first DELEGATES: delegate course, called Building Conversations to share recruitment • Are the PSA’s representatives Positive Workplace Relationships strategies, great clauses in collective in our workplaces (BPWR). This is a two-day course with agreements, and ways to help raise • Elected for a term of two a one-day follow up, and we hold it member engagement are had across years at Annual Members’ several times a year right around the the two days, in the formal training Meetings country. and in the breaks. • Get specialised training In the last twelve months, more than Sometimes, delegates meet up again across the country 900 PSA delegates have attended at other training courses, and it’s great

20 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Worth a look By Colin Feslier

LABOUR: THE NEW first Labour government. This book’s Lastly, the recent history is finely- coverage of those years reminds us of crafted and gives a strong argument ZEALAND LABOUR PARTY the three-way fight between Liberal, against any undervaluing of the 1916–2016 Reform and Labour and consequent remarkable achievement of Helen split votes. The authors place a Clark in the restoration of Labour. The least-read part of this book will welcome emphasis on the financial be its preface. That is a pity. In 12 practicalities of ‘building a party’ This book creates a new standard pages it summarises much of the and the efforts to develop women’s narrative of the Labour Party. The history of the world social-democratic participation and alliances with brave decision of the party to allow movements, the existing scholarship Māori. the authors, albeit sympathetic, on the New Zealand Labour party, its free rein to write it as they saw it is success and failures, and its influence The period from 1935 to the 1950s is vindicated by a fine and readable on New Zealand society. well summed up in the intervening account; it is essential reading for chapters, from the welfare state anyone who would understand New The authors make a convincing under to war Zealand. argument that placing emphasis on and recovery led by Labour’s Peter the moderate/militant and union/ Fraser. The book examines Labour’s Labour: The New Zealand Labour parliamentary divides is largely long period of opposition during Party 1916–2016 wrong. They present a nuanced the prime ministership of National’s Peter Franks & Jim McAloon, Victoria narrative, that makes clear the Keith Holyoake and the changes University Press, 2016 underlying complexities of people that happened immediately after and policies. They also stress Labour’s $50.00 in the 1960s, before looking at the later and continuing experience Available from: goo.gl/8zBzoZ hope created (and then dashed) with as a party of influence as political in the early 70s. See page 7 to win a copy of this opponents adopt its policies to win book. voters. Changes in the social fabric of society, and Labour’s engagement with these Franks and McAloon develop the changes, are examined in the chapters history of what J.D. Salmon called looking at the period from 1975-1984, ‘Labour’s pioneering days’ from before the book moves on to the era of 1840 to the turn of the century – a neoliberalism. long evolution stretching through the disastrous maritime strike When talking about the 4th Labour of 1890 and the waterfront and Government, the authors attempt Waihi disasters of 1912 and 1913, balance while making clear the to the Great War, conscription, and damage done to country and party. imprisonment of Labour leaders. It This was the period of the greatest is an origin myth that continues to conflict between the PSA and inspire. The history behind the myth Labour but there is no reference to is told impressively across the first the changes created by the repeal two chapters. of the State Services Conditions of Employment Act and the subsequent In the traditional Labour myth we experience of hundreds of thousands leap from the end of the Great War of state workers having their terms to 1935 and the triumph of Savage’s and conditions taken away.

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 21 International Saving weekends How Australian unions used their issues to influence voters and grow their strength

IN THE RECENT Australian their membership, recruiting elections, two unions came new members and talking to up with a great campaign to thousands of people around the highlight an issue of huge country about why weekends importance to their members, needed saving. grow member activism and have a real influence on the makeup ON-THE-GROUND of Parliament. ORGANISING

United Voice (UV) and the The on-the-ground campaign Shop, Distributive and Allied focussed on ten key parliamentary seats, out of Employees’ Association (SDA) 150 in the Australian House members took part in the Save of Representatives. Research Our Weekend campaign, and showed that these ten seats they made their core demand were all potentially winnable, one of the key election issues with the end goal of having a in marginal electorates across Government that would either Australia. explicitly support retaining weekend rates, or at least one IDENTIFYING THEIR that was too afraid of a backlash ISSUE to oppose them. At the heart of the matter was Out of the ten seats targeted, the importance of weekends. eight were won by the Unlike in New Zealand, many Australian Labor Party, and Australians are still paid extra these results have been largely for working on a Saturday or credited to the success of the Sunday to compensate for the Save Our Weekend campaign. sacrifice of family time that they In post-election polling, have to make. commissioned by UV, 60% of Many businesses are not happy The campaign used personal stories to tell a people said weekend rates were powerful message. about paying extra on these days, between ‘somewhat important’ and the Liberal Government made and ‘the most important’ issue when they decided who to vote for. getting rid of weekend rates part So, the Save Our Weekend of their plan for after the election. campaign was launched. They BUILDING MEMBER As two unions made up of people used both traditional and digital on low-pay, many of whom rely on media to raise their issue, getting CAPACITY weekend rates to provide for their huge publicity in the process, but Another key goal was building families, UV and the SDA knew they they also embarked on a strong capacity amongst union members had to do something. organising campaign, mobilising for future campaigning. Volunteers

22 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 International gained skills in door-knocking, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT "We have got to a point in this one to one conversations, phone country where the lowest-paid The fight isn’t over for UV and calling, recruitment and plenty workers are having to give an SDA members. Employers are more that will have positive account to a court about why they continuing to attack weekend flow-on effects in the day-to- need to keep earning the money rates, even though many of day workplace union activity as that they are earning. It has been their strongest supporters were well as in future public-facing for me galling to see hard-working removed from Parliament in people come to the commission to campaigns. the election. The Fair Work open up their household budgets Commission, a similar body For many union volunteers, the and financial situation to be to our Employment Relations Save Our Weekend campaign was cross-examined on that, to be Authority, is currently considering accountable for what it means to the first time they had been active a case on Sunday rates, and they have a cut in pay." in their union, and for many will no doubt be taking note of more, it was their first time using By Asher Wilson-Goldman the strong public opinion on this their union as a vehicle to take issue. action outside of the workplace. More info The national secretary of UV, Being a part of such a successful Jo-anne Schofield, told the Sydney Save Our Weekend campaign has meant the Morning Herald that it was saveourweekend.org.au experience was deeply inspiring humbling watching her members Mandate to keep penalty rates — to many, showing participants tell their stories of what a cut to the people have spoken the power of working together to weekend rates would mean to bit.ly/2bL8G9c make positive social change. them.

Sit back and make your membership work for you.

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www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 23 Networks

Collective bargaining for all

OUR LARGEST NETWORK, PSA “We always find that people want clauses will cover a wide range of Youth, is currently working to make to know how our union operates, issues that affect young people it easy for our younger members and one of the things that stands disproportionately, from flexible to understand and get involved in out is collective bargaining. People working arrangements to cater for bargaining. Working Life spoke to aren’t confident in how it works, so childcare and part-time study, to national co-convenor Caleb Gordon when the opportunity comes up to ensuring that people in casual and to find out more. be directly involved in bargaining, fixed-term work have the ability to a number of our younger members be part of the collective. Joining together with our colleagues don’t step up because they don’t feel to negotiate our pay and other they have the skills.” Caleb notes that group is also terms of employment is one of the “thinking about internships. Lots key advantages to being a union After a couple of phone/video member. Collective bargaining is at conferences, the working group has of young people are increasingly the core of what we do as a union, split into two, each focussing on a having to come into the workforce but it can seem complicated and different part of the issue. through unpaid work, so we need to hard to get involved in. address that.” The first group is creating a how-to “The idea for a bargaining working guide for bargaining – including Ensuring release time for union group came from the PSA Youth what’s involved, how to write members to be involved in network Leaders Hui last year,” says a claim, ways to get onto your activities (such as these working Caleb, “one of the attendees ran a bargaining team, the process groups) during work time, and workshop to share their experiences around gathering issues from professional development and of being on the bargaining team, members across workplace, career pathways for young workers to talk about how it went and to and basic info about workplace have also been raised as something demystify the process so others democracy. Caleb says he wants to the group will consider. could be encouraged to step up.” make sure young members know that they are the union, and to “We have a solid group of people Caleb says that bargaining was an encourage there to be a youth voice involved. It’s still quite a new issue that came up again during the in the bargaining team and the group, but it looks like it’ll be Youth Leadership Training courses workplace. (run in Auckland, Hamilton, productive and I really feel like it’s Wellington, Christchurch and “The second group is looking at an opportunity for people to step Dunedin) earlier this year, and from model clauses,” Caleb says, “to offer up, leading from wherever they are that a small group of people got clauses across the PSA that speak rather than expecting the elected together to do some work on the to young people’s experiences convenors to do it, which is always issue. in the workforce.” These model nice to see.”

24 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Networks

The PSA Women’s Network Biennial National Conference

THE BIENNIAL PSA Women’s by women – especially Māori women women’s strength ran through almost Network conference Stand Together – in getting men to recognise their every session. Some women who for Equality Tū Ngātahi kia Taurite voices as legitimate. Women have began the conference feeling unsure was held on 28 and 29 July in always found creative ways to make of themselves and their place in the Wellington. themselves heard, and Cybèle’s talk union movement left as Women’s showed this with humour drawn from Network Committee members. It was a fantastic and action- our movement’s vibrant history. packed two days where attendees Attendees feelt inspired and participated in workshops and The workshop sessions on day two uplifted by the experience and networking events on women’s allowed attendees to delve deeper recommend that more women take leadership and organising for equality into difficult topics. Family Violence the opportunity to attend future throughout the union movement. is a Workplace Issue ran two highly conferences. attended and emotional sessions, Dr Cybèle Locke delivered an reflecting on what the role of an To become a member of the Women’s energising keynote about the history employer should be when dealing Network, sign up online: visit of women in the union movement. with both victims and perpetrators. www.psa.org.nz/women and click She highlighted the triumphs, ‘join network’, or join over the phone achievements and challenges faced Themes of community, solidarity and on 0508 367 772.

Lake Tekapo Tekapo Discover more.

Exclusive rates and offers available for PSA members, for more information head to psa.org.nz/plus

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 25 Bargaining

Labour MP and Green co- leader James Shaw show their support.

Fly Safe Today – Be Fair With Pay

Our members who work for the their employer, AvSec staff twice seeking to declare the lockout Aviation Security Service (AvSec) hit rejected sub-standard collective notices illegal, while at the same the headlines recently after taking agreements before voting in July to time agreeing to attend mediation action for fair pay and conditions take industrial action in Auckland, with AvSec management in the during collective bargaining. Our Wellington and Christchurch. hopes of reaching agreement. members worked alongside their colleagues in the E tū union to In response to the threat of three The mediation was successful, and jointly take a stand against an offer three-hour strikes towards the end all strike and lockout notices were from their employer that would of the school holidays, AvSec issued withdrawn, while members had have meant a pay cut for many of lockout notices which could have a chance to discuss and vote on a them. meant that all union members at new and improved offer from their AvSec were unable to work for 8 employer. In the end, members of Every day, AvSec staff keep us safe days, potentially causing havoc both unions overwhelmingly voted when we’re in the air. They have for passengers. AvSec extended in favour of the proposed new legal powers that extend not only the lockout to Queenstown and collective agreement. to airport security, but also along Dunedin airports, even though flight paths, and they take that these were not taking any industrial Thanks to everyone who sent responsibility seriously. action. messages of support to our AvSec members during the dispute, they Concerned that they weren’t being The PSA and E tū immediately filed really appreciated knowing our treated with proper respect by for an injunction from the court, whole union was behind them.

26 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Bargaining Better funding for support staff – better learning for kids

New Zealand’s two main education closest to the cutting line. the year and have no job security. unions, NZEI (primary schools) and It’s difficult to live on such a small Librarians, teacher aides, kairahi PPTA (secondary), have launched amount and office administrators are all a campaign for better funding for essential to ensuring children have If the freeze remains, schools will support staff. the best education possible. They have less money. Trade-offs will The education of the nation’s are in their roles because they care happen between support staff, tamariki depends on schools having about children, about providing operational costs and teachers. This the right people in the right jobs. support and inspiration and helping is unfair on schools, teachers, and This year, the Government has our young people find their place in children. frozen school funding, so schools the world. have less money than they need to Stand with schools and sign the operate. This means New Zealand’s Already support staff are paid petition to value support staff: schools have to do more with less, only just above minimum wage, http://www.together.org.nz/kids_ with support staff being the ones are employed only 40 weeks of education

Bunnings workers standing together to have a say on their hours of work.

Foodstuffs stuffing up staff in the south Bunnings have settled!

South Island Pak’nSave employees are still left without After more than 11 months, First Union members answers with parent company Foodstuffs refusing to employed at Bunnings Warehouse stores finally have a bargain on pay. First Union are taking the store owners to new collective agreement. The new agreement came into the Employment Relations Authority to test whether this effect last month, offering a pay rise and back pay. The issue of zero-hours and shifting contracts is addressed is legal. with a new clause giving both employers and employees a Many Pak’nSave employees are turning to charities say in shift patterns. for food parcels, while their CEOs boast record profits. It’s a huge relief to First Union members to reach such Communities have held rallies and protests around a positive outcome, after union members had faced the country in support of Pak’nSave workers, calling on uncertainty over hours and pay. After demonstrations, others to support a fair wage so supermarket workers can strikes and plenty of public support, Bunnings bosses feed their whānau. knew their position was unfair.

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 27 Around & about

facebook.com/nzpsa to see more photos of union activity

High school students cutting a cake for an The PSA bargaining team at the Ministry for equal pay event at Parliament. Primary Industries.

PSA members and staff march through Wellington on the first Māori language week parade.

The biennial PSA Women’s Network conference took place in Wellington in August.

28 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 Around & about

Ministry of Social Development national delegates gathered from across the country.

www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 29 Last word Why values really do matter

PEOPLE OFTEN THINK of values Unfortunately, this is only half of the control group. Not only that, but as abstract and subjective ideals the story. those who had been primed with that rarely translate into people’s the extrinsic values of success and actual behaviour. Nothing could Researchers are now exploring ambition picked up fewer pencils be further from the truth. In fact, the extent to which our values are than the control group. In other a growing body of research shows primed by our context – the things words, priming people’s extrinsic that values are at the heart of we see, hear, read or otherwise values doesn’t just fail to boost progressive change. experience. This includes the helpful behaviour – it actually way corporations, governments supresses it. In recent decades, social and non-profits frame their psychologists have made incredible communications. Dozens of other studies have found advances in understanding how the same effect using a variety of the human value system works In fact, studies show that our priming techniques and measures and why it matters. What they’ve context can be a lot more important of pro-social and environmental discovered is that people around than our normal values priorities behaviours. the world share 58 universal in determining which values guide values. The difference between us our attitudes and behaviours in that Last time I was in New Zealand is that we priorities these values moment. I picked up a newspaper with a differently. headline proclaiming the cost of For example, in one study violence against women to the Our values priorities, in turn, researchers wanted to see if values economy – as if violence is only influence the goals we set ourselves priming could be used to influence worth preventing if it also hurts in life, the attitudes we hold and the people’s levels of helpfulness. To the economy. In a similar vein, behaviours we exhibit. do this, they split 94 participants environmental organisations into three groups. The first group increasingly assign financial value Dozens of studies show that was asked to write reasons for to “eco-system services” in order to people who prioritise a broad and against honesty and loyalty advocate for the conservation of group of values known as intrinsic (intrinsic values). The second group nature. values - which includes things like to write about success and ambition creativity, broadmindedness, unity (extrinsic values). A control group In all these cases, we’re assuming with nature, responsibility and was asked to complete an unrelated the worst in people instead of loyalty – are more likely to act in task. bringing out their best. And pro-social and environmental ways. the more we do it, the more we Then, one at a time, the participants strengthen values in people that On the other hand, people who were told the study was complete actually undermine support for all prioritise a competing set of and that they needed to go into of our causes. extrinsic values – such as wealth, a separate room to fill in a form public image, social power, before leaving. In the other room, a So the next time you’re trying to ambition and success – are more researcher pretended to knock over convince someone to support a likely to act in anti-social and a cup of 10 pencils. The real test cause you care about think twice environmentally destructive ways. was to see how many pencils each about the values you’re appealing unsuspecting participant picked up to – it really does matter. The good news is that in New in the allocated time. Zealand, as well as in over 60 Mark Chenery is the co-founder and other countries on which we have It turned out those primed with director of Common Cause Australia. data, we know that the majority of the intrinsic values of honesty and Download free resources at people prioritise intrinsic values. loyalty picked up more pencils than www.commoncause.org.au.

30 www.psa.org.nz Working Life September 2016 WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US

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