President’s report Report to congress

E ngā iwi, e ngā reo, e ngā mana, e ngā mātāwaka. Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa. E mihi kau tēnei ki a koutou i runga i ngā tini āhuatanga e pa ana Report to ki to tatou uniana o te NZPSA mai i Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. Ngā tini mate, haere haere haere. Ratou te hunga wairua ki a ratou. Tatou te hunga ora ki a tatou. congress Tēnā koutou katoa. Mike Tana

In 2014 the PSA embarked on its second century The election takes place just days before our National Delegates’ Congress of union activism and after a very successful in September, and, regardless of the centenary year, we are facing the future with result, the PSA can expect to face fresh challenges. We are well prepared for renewed vigour and confidence. that: our membership remains high and we continue to be financially strong. Transforming the Workplace (TTW), governments to innovate and public We are also currently developing our our flagship strategy to create better sector leadership that does not manage delegate structure and fostering current working lives for our members, is its most vital resource, people, well. and emerging strong leaders to further starting to make a real difference to Last year, in conjunction with the strengthen the PSA. the way we work. , we organised a seminar series on State sector reform. This year I would like to thank my fellow board The five strands of TTW (Fair & Secure, we commissioned leading experts in members, our PSA staff and you, the Healthy & Safe, Career Development, government management to help us members as our most vital asset, for Trust & Effectiveness and Personalised) chart the way forward. It is of vital your continued efforts and support. I encompass and integrate much of importance to have a high performing continue to be impressed by the depth what the PSA already does, from wage public sector not only for New Zealand of talent and commitment that can be bargaining to promoting inclusive but also for our members who spend their found at every level of the PSA. workplace cultures. working lives serving New Zealanders. “It is of vital importance to The TTW agenda is already in some This year saw an important change workplaces and is now a guiding force have a high performing public within the PSA. Brenda Pilott, who had for the union’s activities. It is driving sector not only for New Zealand been PSA national secretary for 10 years, our engagement with work on new but also for our membe resigned to take up fresh challenges. rs” employment relations legislation, Brenda brought a wealth of experience our briefings to opposition parties to I have elected to stand for another in Public Service management to the role influence their policy formation, and two years as your President. It was and made a huge contribution to the PSA. in communication and media strategy. a privilege to lead the PSA in its Along with fellow national secretary It also underpins our engagement centenary year and I look forward to Richard Wagstaff, she has helped guide with the government in its Better the opportunity to take the union the PSA to grow strategically in size, Public Services programme. forward in our second century as influence and effectiveness. leaders for fair employment and One aspect of TTW that we are giving At time of writing, we are in the better conditions in the public sector. particular attention to this year is pay middle of the 2014 election campaign. equity. As an example, many of our The PSA’s election strategy this time members who work in the Community is focused on playing our part in the Public Services sector are underpaid wider CTU campaign to encourage Mike Tana simply because they are women. Their voter participation. The campaign President of the PSA work with the elderly and the disabled focus is on identifying and organising The Public Service Association is severely undervalued, and our goal is volunteers from the union membership Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi to have equal pay for men and women to help in the wider campaign. While doing work of equal value by 2020. essential organising such as bargaining State sector reform is another area we and personal case work will not be have been focusing on. The PSA has compromised, election campaigning long been worried about fragmentation is the priority for PSA staff and many in the public sector, the failure of of its volunteers.

4 5 Our people Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina

Te Rūnanga o Ngā Report to congress Executive board Mike Tana President Toa Āwhina has Renee Delamere Vice President, DHB sector approximately The executive board met on Pam Jemmett Treasurer, State sector Colleen Boyer Public Service sector (April 2013 to September 2013) six occasions: October and 5,700 members Daryl Gatenby Staff December 2013; and February, Jenny Goodman Community Public Services sector and 600 delegates. April, June and August 2014. Alby Marsh Te Rūnanga o Ngā Toa Āwhina (to August 2014) In addition there were two special Brenda Pilott Secretariat (to April 2014) In the last year, it has implemented meetings held by teleconference Peter Robertshaw Public Service sector (from April 2014 ) targeted recruitment strategies, in March and July to deal with Flash Sandham Local Government sector across all enterprises, to increase specific matters. Richard Wagstaf Secretariat Māori participation in the union. Training, induction, and mentoring initiatives for new Rūnanga delegates, Māori Enterprise delegates and sector Membership snapshot māngai were introduced as well as regional leadership Hui for delegates. PSA membership remains stable Te Rūnanga is an active member and now stands at 58,938, up on Membership growth 2000-2014 of the NZCTU Rūnanga and has last year. Recruitment remains a supported a number of initiatives top priority and is a feature of all important to Māori workers, including the union’s activities in order to the campaign to highlight the deaths maintain and increase our influence. 60,000 of Māori forestry workers due to the poor and hazardous conditions. 50,000 The Rūnanga worked with the PSA executive board and the secretariat to This booklet was developed to welcome new Māori members to the PSA 40,000 Gender establish a Māori organiser role. This role was formally established at the Komiti members 30,000 end of 2013 with the goal of building and empowering Māori membership. The Te Rūnanga ō Ngā Toa Āwhina “A Māori organiser role was 20,000 Kōmiti is represented at a national Male The PSI Sub-regional Advisory established at the end of 30% level by 13 sector māngai from across Committee for Oceania (OSRAC) the PSA sectors. The Kōmiti provides 2013 with the goal of 10,000 was held in Auckland this year and cultural leadership and policy advice. building and empowering 70% gave Te Rūnanga an opportunity to The convenor is a member of the PSA Māori membership.” offer support to Pacifica unionists, executive board.

2002 2002 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 including the Fijian Public Service unions, which are under direct attack Kiwhare Mihaka Kaumatua by the current Fijian regime. Georgina Kerr Kuia Te Rūnanga intends to continue links Alby Marsh Convenor PSA membership by sector with indigenous Australian unionism, Gail Arthur State sector Age bands receiving an invite for a delegation to Lee Rauhina-August Local Government sector Unknown attend the ACTU Indigenous Peoples Lesley Dixon District Health Boards sector Over 60 36% Public Service conference in Adelaide, May 2014. Sophie Fawcett Community Public Services sector 36-59 10% Local Government Allan Franks District Health Boards sector Jacque-Anne Heta State sector 26-35 26% District Health Boards Denise Hovell 19-25 Community Public Services sector 8% Community Public Services Frances Lazarus Under 19 Coryell Mete District Health Boards sector 14% State sector Marcia Puru 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Marshall Tangaroa Public Service sector

Richard Wagner Sophie Williams Local Government sector Tiare Williams District Health Boards sector

6 7 PSA strategic plan Issues and campaigns

Pay and employment 2014 election campaign Report to congress equity This year, the PSA was a strong As part of a pay equity action plan until supporter of “Get Out and Vote”, the June 2015, a pay equity organiser has union-wide election campaign led by been appointed and a legal strategy the Council of Trade Unions. The focus has been developed which will guide of the campaign was to increase voter our next steps in filing several pay participation in the elections and equity cases. particularly to re-engage non-voters in the democratic process. Raising awareness of pay equity issues among PSA members is This election saw an unprecedented now an organising priority and effort by unions affiliated to the organisers will be raising pay equity CTU to work together to achieve matters in bargaining, with a specific this. The PSA lent significant focus on those occupational groups financial and in-kind support to the that have been discriminated against CTU. This included seconding PSA because of gender under the 1972 campaign organiser Conor Twyford to Equal Pay Act. the CTU to assist with the campaign following unexpected mid-year Pay equity was also a central to our changes to the core campaign team. election campaign where we were seeking a commitment to pay equity The PSA committed to bring 3,000 by 2020 with an immediate focus PSA members in total across to the on low paid occupations dominated wider CTU campaign. At time of by women. writing, three months out from the election, the focus was on signing “We’re seeking a commitment organisers and key members/activists up to the campaign as volunteers State sector reform e-booklet to pay equity by 2020.” The PSA supported the union-wide CTU campaign and we were set to reach that target. State sector reform As well as supporting the wider The Strategic Plan sets out the PSA’s goals CTU campaign, we developed and Following a series of five seminars on campaigned on a set of PSA-specific and where we want to be by the year 2020. State sector reform by the PSA and the election asks. These were based on Fabian Society, a booklet Rethinking what members told us via research These commitments form an Transforming the Workplace the State sector was published. important part of our work conducted earlier in the year and on programme across the union. Organising staff are now thoroughly Two papers on State sector reform ongoing policy work done in conjunction They do not replace but are in familiar with the TTW strategy and were also developed by the PSA. with members, organisers and the addition to the PSA’s ongoing are initiating actions and conversations Dr Matthew Palmer, a leading public policy team. business, such as building the in workplaces with delegates and law specialist, was commissioned union, effective bargaining, and members. A range of resources are to write a paper on proposals for “The PSA-specific election asks engagement with employers, being developed to assist with this. legislative reform and other changes were based on what members politicians and other parties. At a central level the PSA is reviewing to the public management system. told us via research.” An additional PSA paper has been Underpinning all of the PSA’s work our overarching bargaining strategy and sector bargaining strategies to prepared on proposals for changes Our main political asks are: are our values around decent work to the State sector employment • a living wage for public and and decent workplaces; advancing reflect TTW priorities. The union is also engaging with the State Services relations framework, including community services the interests of members; and possible legislative changes, with • pay increases keeping pace with CPI advancing the principles of the Commission on aspects of TTW, for example, health and safety/ input from Professors Margaret • pay equity by 2020 Treaty of Waitangi as they relate Wilson and Nigel Haworth. • fair employment laws to members’ working lives. bullying/EEO issues, and is taking the lead in high performance/ • investment in public services. high engagement initiatives We also worked with the State with organisations such as Services Commission and the Electoral Auckland Council, Worksafe Commission to get government NZ and Hutt Valley DHB. agencies to encourage members of the public to vote. The PSA’s specific election asks

8 9 State sector reform Report to congress In 2013 the Fabian Society and the PSA teamed up to deliver a series of five seminars looking at the State Sector Act and what needs to change in order to deliver more effective public services. The seminar speakers, who included Sir Geoffrey Palmer, and Steve Maharey, provided a wide range of perspectives on the issue. Corrections staff took part in a training day as part of the “It’s Not OK” campaign to raise awareness in the workplace Rethinking the State sector, a booklet about family violence and e-book based on the seminars, has been published. Domestic violence as a workplace issue The PSA has also commissioned The PSA has helped to produce two We are also lodging claims in Dr Matthew Palmer, a leading public pieces of research on the impact of bargaining for support for victims law specialist, to write a paper on domestic violence on our members’ of domestic violence, and have had proposals for legislative reform and working lives. The first, Productivity success at adding these to some other changes to the public management Gains from Workplace Protection of collective agreements already. system. An additional PSA paper Victims of Domestic Violence, details Additionally, we are having discussions is being prepared, with input from the economic benefit to employers with peak bodies, including the Professors Margaret Wilson and Nigel of supporting their employees who State Services Commission, and Haworth on proposals for changes are victims of domestic violence. with political parties, to gather their to the State sector employment The second, The Impacts of Domestic support for action on this serious relations framework, including Violence on Workers and the Workplace, issue which impacts on significant The PSA is focused on improving pay in low-paid occupations dominated by woman possible legislative changes. is based on a survey of PSA members’ numbers of our members. Both papers will then be considered experiences of the impact of domestic Pay and employment equity Pay equity is an integral part of our by the board and more widely within violence, both direct and indirect, on Living Wage bargaining strategy. In some sectors the PSA and at congress. their working lives. Pay equity is one of the four strategic The PSA continued our active support such as DHBs (Admin Staff Add Value) goals in the 2011-2020 strategic plan. as a member of the Living Wage and CPS (Time to Care) pay equity campaign. We have a member on Late last year the PSA engaged Lisa campaign material has already been the Governance Committee and have Heap, from the Australian Institute developed and reflects the pay gap ourselves become a Living Wage of Employment Rights, to assist us our members experience as a result Accredited Employer. While there with our PAEE work. A work plan of working in a female-dominated were setbacks in the efforts to achieve that included a political and legal industry. Pay equity was the focus for the Living Wage at Auckland and strategy was developed. A pay equity the PSA Women’s Network Conference Hamilton City Councils, good progress campaign organiser was appointed in August. In the general election the was made, and Wellington City Council to bring greater impetus and focus PSA sought commitment to pay equity will soon have a Living Wage for to the organising aspects of our pay by 2020 with an immediate focus its directly employed staff, and an equity action plan. on low-paid occupations dominated investigation into how this could be by women. extended to contracted staff. The Living Wage was increased to $18.80 per hour, compared to the minimum wage of $14.25.

The PSA has itself become a Living Wage Accredited Employer.

10 11 Organisational and strategic

Workplace Dynamics Survey Report to congress Further analysis of last year’s Workplace Dynamics Survey of PSA members, done in partnership with Victoria University of Wellington, continues to reveal new insights. An analysis of responses from Māori members found, among other things, that Māori were more likely than those in other ethnic groups to be Waikato District Health Board members take a break to protest about proposed changes to the Employment active in the union, feel empowered Relations Act in their work, secure in their jobs and committed to their organisation. More Reforms Fewer Rights Asset sales An analysis by gender revealed that PSA members strongly opposed The PSA worked with the CTU, other the men responding to the survey changes to the Employment unions and other associated groups were significantly older, more senior, Relations Act and got behind the to encourage voter participation and better educated, had longer tenure PSA’s campaign. Nearly 8,000 PSA a ‘No’ vote in the referendum on state with their current employer and were members made submissions on the assets that took place by postal ballot better paid than women. Both women Employment Relations Amendment in November/December 2013. The and men were unimpressed with Bill, and over 50 members spoke referendum question was: “Do you workplace cooperation (communication before the Transport and Industrial support the Government selling up and information sharing) in their Relations select committee. A series to 49% of Meridian Energy, Mighty organisations, but women rated it as of “People’s Select Committee” River Power, Genesis Power, Solid significantly worse than men. Both hearings held in provincial centres Energy and Air New Zealand?” women and men had mixed views of were also well attended. TTW is now central to the union’s activities managerial relationships (management Despite nearly 70% voting no, the support for staff), but once again women PSA members also hosted a Big government went ahead with its rated it significantly lower than men. Tea Break for 11,000 PSA members assets sales programme. The PSA will Trans-Pacific Transforming the Workplace TTW is now central to the union’s activities. It is guiding our engagement This project has a growing standing and their workmates in some 550 continue to oppose future asset sales. Transforming the Workplace (TTW) Partnership Agreement with work on new employment with others, with the Productivity workplaces to discuss issues and continues to evolve as the PSA’s The PSA accepted an invitation to relations legislation, our briefings Commission, some Public Service raise their concerns. flagship strategy. Transforming the Time to Care contribute to sponsorship and to opposition parties to influence departments and academics using the Workplace is an agenda for good work The results of PSA lobbying will not support for a short video promoting their policy formation, and in media data to inform their understanding of The PSA “Time to Care” campaign for that builds on our goal for a better be known until Parliament passes the the need for transparency of the comment. It also underpins our the working experience of PSA members. home support workers has delivered working life for PSA members. ERA Bill later this year or early next significant results. The PSA has filed issues and decision making on the engagement with the government in year. Employment relations was a key claims in the Employment Authority TPPA. The video is shown on the Its five strands (Fair & Secure, Healthy its Better Public Services programme. Annual members’ meetings part of the PSA’s election campaign. on behalf of members who work website www.itsnotright.org.nz & Safe, Career Development, Trust Annual members’ meetings are now PSA organising staff and delegates in home support services and have & Effectiveness and Personalised) a well-established event in most are now using the Transforming the to travel from job to job and who encompass and integrate much of workplaces. This year the focus was Workplace agenda to evaluate and currently do not get paid for the what the union already does, from on the general election. The aim prioritise the work they do. In late 2013 duration of travel. wage bargaining to promoting was to mobilise members to encourage training and development sessions were This is an important inclusive workplace cultures. their workmates, friends, family, held for organisers in Christchurch, case for thousands and community contacts to The Transforming the Workplace Wellington and Auckland and further of workers in this enrol and vote. Members agenda is already in workplaces. The training was undertaken in April 2014. industry and was were given a hand-out and use of Sustainable Work Systems, a highlighted in the The PSA’s overarching bargaining ‘enrol to vote’ poster and union initiative to build more effective recent Caring Counts strategy and sector bargaining strategies encouraged to sign workplaces, has been successfully report issued by the have been reformulated to reflect “Get Out and Vote” pledge trialled in workplaces and is continuing Human Rights Commission. TTW priorities and organisers are cards or sign up on the to gain momentum in large worksites If successful it is likely that using the agenda when engaging with GOAV website. like Auckland Council. The State a negotiated settlement will employers, delegates and members. Services Commission’s Continuous emerge as the Crown comes Improvement Unit is strongly A project implementation group to terms with the issue. supportive of the PSA’s involvement in continues to oversee integration of the continuous improvement processes. TTW agenda into organising practice at the enterprise and sector levels.

12 13 Sector activity Report to congress

Local Government sector activity

Wellington City Council agreed to implement it for directly employed staff, and to investigate how it could be extended to contracted-out staff as well. 377 delegates received delegate long service awards (see page 63 for list) “One priority has been to implement the bargaining strategy.”

Bargaining Members at Auckland Council signed a three-year collective agreement with increases of at least CPI each year, plus two union-only lump sum payments. The Bay of Plenty Regional Council won average increases of 1.9% plus improvements in parental and long service leave, while the The PSA held a training day for Council amalgamations were a hot issue at the PSA’s local Otorohanga District Council negotiated emerging leaders The PSA plays an active role in the Public Services International Oceania Region government conference a two-year term with 2.2% in the first year and 2% in the second. and educational, capacity building Delegate development Delegate awards Membership Issues Other collective agreements were support for the affiliates, along with and review Last year two new delegate awards Membership in the Local Government Council amalgamations negotiated at Kapiti Coast District the traditional solidarity activities. sector has contracted slightly, from In Northland, Hawke’s Bay and A substantive area of work in 2013 were introduced: a long service award Council, Wairoa District Council, Support is particularly important 6,050 last year to approximately 5,940 Wellington the debate around council has been the development of a pilot recognising 10 years as a delegate and Auckland Transport, Far North District for affiliates in countries where the members currently. The membership amalgamations has continued, with ‘Emerging Leaders’ programme which a special delegate achievement award Council, Waikato Regional Council, political situation is detrimental is spread across 73 enterprises, with the PSA writing submissions to the began with a two-day workshop in given to delegates who have made an Auckland Council Regional Parks, to the trade union movement. 286 delegates. Of the total Local Local Government Commission on early June. The programme will run outstanding contribution to the union. Matamata-Piako District Council, The sub-regional meeting of the Government membership, 3,220 amalgamation proposals. We have Palmerston North City Council, for a period of twelve months and will 377 delegate long service awards affiliates held in Sydney earlier this are in Auckland Council and CCOs. also issued media releases regarding Waikato Regional Council and be facilitated by the project manager were made over the last year and year identified a number of priority amalgamation in Northland, Waikato, Waipa District Council. with support from the PSA education three special delegate achievement issues for the affiliates to work Sector plan Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty. team. A comprehensive review of awards are under consideration. Sector Committee delegate training has also been a core together on, including the G20 The Local Government sector Currently, the PSA has no overall piece of work. This has resulted in the meeting to be held in Australia committee has identified the following position on amalgamations and Flash Sandham (convenor), Lee re-focussing of the formal delegate Public Services in November 2014. three priorities in its sector plan: any proposal is considered on its Rauhina-August, Ceinwyn Bannister, education with a staircased approach International Activities to promote workers’ • implementing the bargaining strategy merits. However, the PSA does Ian Cooper, Richard Foster, Gary to learning. Redevelopment of existing The PSA is a member of issues included the ongoing including developing a model have concerns regarding the local Gabbitas, Sara Moylan, Cris Pokidin, workshops and design of new workshops Public Services International, campaign for a financial transaction collective agreement, advancing government legislation that governs Annette Smithard, Sophie Williams. has been undertaken and will continue the global federation of public tax as well as issues surrounding the fair and transparent pay systems, how amalgamation ballots are for most of 2014. In addition, the PSA sector unions, and plays an active lack of transparency and consultation promoting the Living Wage and run and the lack of power given education team will be offering enterprise role in the Oceania region. The PSI over the negotiations for a Transpacific tabling a family violence clause to community boards. specific training on an ‘as needs’ basis. affiliates in the Oceania region are Partnership Agreement (TPPA) and the • focus on libraries including a libraries campaign, exploring the impact Living Wage In 2014, delegate induction and looking at restructuring the PSI Trades in Services Agreement (TISA). The Local Government sector was involvement in the region to better of new technology on the jobs orientation (including mentoring) This meeting also included the first a key target for the Living Wage provide to the needs of the affiliates of our members and addressing and enterprise delegate development dedicated youth committee meeting campaign through the 2013 local body and the promotion of the programme pay equity in the sector along with the emerging leaders’ for PSI in the sub region and will elections. Pro-Living Wage candidates of action agreed to at the World • amalgamation and local government programme will be core pieces of continue to be a part of the meeting were elected in many parts of the Congress held in 2012. legislation with a focus on building work. The implementation project programme in the years to come. regional delegate structures and country, and while the Living Wage was manager’s role has been extended The aim for PSI Oceania in the future networks to enable the PSA to voted down following an extensive for a further 12 month period to will be to refine the focus it has on respond collectively to mergers campaign at Auckland Council, enable this work to continue. delivering both campaign support or legislative changes.

14 15 Report to congress

Community Public Services sector activity State sector activity

the government to staff, and support Membership Issues Bargaining for equal pay for home support workers The sector has seen some bargaining with DHB health care assistants. The State sector has 8,030 members Constant restructuring is still occurring, in 131 different enterprises and 509 placing a strain on members and dragging out and slow to settle. Pay This campaign also targets politicians workplace delegates. This compares demoralising workplaces, and we is regularly excluded from bargaining to ensure that this low-paid sector with 8,231 members and 472 delegates continue to work with members and we would like to see this change. receives better funding and that home in 2013. Growing sector membership through this. We have a lot of work to do to close support workers get paid for travel time remains a key goal and a target of an the gender pay gap which seems to be AgResearch between clients and proper payment additional 5% in the coming year has getting worse, and we are all dealing In AgResearch many members face for travel costs. PSA representatives are been planned. This will be achieved with lots of day-to-day issues. either a move to another site, or currently in discussions with government through bargaining and improving potential job loss, over the next Progress has been made in most areas, and provider representatives. recruitment processes. three years. This affects the sites at with a number of agreements reaching Bargaining New enterprises to the sector include: Invermay and Ruakura. The PSA is ratification. Pay movements tend to be in the 1 to 2% range. However, The CPS sector has the most collective British High Commission, Canterbury working with AgResearch to minimise Earthquake Recovery Authority, disruption for members. The union making real improvements to pay agreements of any PSA sector. Collec- systems continues to be difficult. tive bargaining trends show that the Earthquake Commission, Financial conducted a survey to assess the CPS sector continues to see improve- Markets Authority, Law Commission, impact on members and get their Collective agreements were ratified ments in pay and terms and conditions NZ Lotteries Commission, Parliamentary views on the possible effects on at EECA, Ag Research, NIWA, ESR and above what the employer was or is Commissioner for the Environment, the science sector. Plant and Food Research. A home support workers campaign was launched last year Royal Forest and Bird Protection providing in individual agreements. Housing New Zealand Society of NZ, Skills4Work, Workforce A brand new collective agreement is The PSA engaged with Housing 2014 is a big year for CPS bargaining Development Ltd and Worksafe NZ. in place now at the Environmental Membership Issues with many agreements due for NZ (HNZ) and the Ministry of Social Protection Agency, with good renewed negotiations. Key elements Development (MSD) in preparing for a membership growth. Over the past 12 months the Community Sleepover payments of the sector’s bargaining strategy are: transfer of the housing assessment Public Services (CPS) sector of the PSA All sleepover settlements for PSA Bargaining was completed for a major • passing-on funding: ensuring any function from HNZ to the Ministry. has passed the 5,000 member mark, members have completed the formal variation to the ACC collective and funding increases for providers of This is a major matter, with over up from 4,800 in the previous year. Order in Council process and final agreements renegotiated for Airways community public services are 100 jobs affected, and the need It continues to be the fastest growing payments are currently occurring for in Auckland, flight service officers in passed through to workers for MSD to pick up an important sector within the union. the final settlement agreements. central Otago, the Office of Film and • pay equity: raising the pay rate of new role. The union worked Literature Classification, Te Tumu The CPS sector covers workers delivering Disability support support workers to meet the true with both employers to limit Paeroa (ex-Māori Trustee) and the services through community-based “Up Where We Belong” is the PSA’s value of the work. redundancies to those who Open Polytechnic. organisations. Many of the worksites ongoing campaign to raise the status • security of work: the CPS sector has wished to take redundancy. of disability support. Many of the current are small, and a large number of many workers employed as casuals, AsureQuality problems, including low pay, poor Sector Committee employees are part-time or casual. fixed term, zero hours or assignment The push to privatise for meat training and high staff turnover, Pam Jemmett, convenor, Mark Good communication across the workers. Add to this low pay and inspection remains an issue arise because of inadequate Anderson, Gail Arthur, Sambol sector is therefore a challenge, so poor funding and we find but further moves to company government funding. The Bhattacharjee, David Do, Judy a primary task has been to grow many of our members are in inspection have been put PSA continues to advocate Gardiner, Brian Grey, Keith Gutsell, delegates and contact people in vulnerable, insecure work. on hold due to the added for better funding for Jacque-Ann Heta, Alby Marsh, workplaces as well as ensuring that flexibility of meat inspectors the sector. Liisa McMillan, Ben Prasad. members’ details are up to date. Sector Committee in the last collective Home-based care Jenny Goodman, convenor, agreement. A Metro and support Carol Hastie, Frances Lazarus, magazine article highly “Constant restructuring is still The “Time to Care” campaign Carol Mace, Mele Sanaerivi critical of the plan to occurring, placing a strain on privatise meat inspection for home support workers was (to August), Harry Pihema. The members and demoralising launched last year in time for the committee regrets the recent death may have helped slow local body elections and initially of Liz Bowman, a long serving CPS down the company workplaces.” targeted district health board (DHB) sector committee representative. inspection plan. candidates. Home support workers sought a commitment from DHB candidates to ensure their DHB passed on all funding increases from

16 17 Report to congress

District Health Board sector activity Public Service sector activity

Membership Membership The DHB sector has 15,831 members The PSA has 22,458 members in employed over in 20 enterprises, the Public Service sector and 1,344 represented by 720 delegates. workplace delegates. This compares with 21,527 and 1,390 workplace Issues delegates in 2013. At the Heart of the Hospital The PSA continues to work to improve Issues the pay and status of hospital Organisational change administrative staff and to raise The PSA is continuing to seek awareness of the negative effects of Admin staff at Grey Hospital on the West Coast get behind the participation in organisational change, Members at the Ministry for the Environment show their disgust at the staffing cap, including excessive PSA’s Heart of the Hospital campaign though much of what is proposed is being offered a miserly 0.5% pay rise workloads, mounting backlogs and pre-determined. We have had some poor use of resources. To improve the notable successes at influencing pay for administrative staff PSA will has formal representation on Care Bargaining is underway already and is outcomes of change proposals, The major opposition parties are now The settlement of the Inland be pursuing pay equity claims as well. Capacity and Demand Management proving particularly difficult because in particular at DOC and DIA. We a permanent feature of the sector Revenue collective agreement also (CCDM) Group for Mental Health, of the very narrow and low bargaining have been exposing the misuse of committee’s face-to-face meetings. The included a member-only payment Health Sector Relationship Agreement Addiction and Disability Services. parameters that the DHBs have set. sychometric testing as a tool for current focus is on election year and and led to the recruitment of more The HSRA is a tripartite forum involving The PSA is determined to achieve a placing existing staff into new roles. those parties’ intentions for the public than 400 members. Sustainable work systems the DHB, CEOs, board chairs, the reasonable pay increase and make service and for industrial relations. The Waitemata DHB Sustainable Work After nine months of negotiations, Ministry of Health and the health some progress on its priorities. Inland Revenue has a major change sector unions. The HSRA works on Systems (SWS) programme, Te Aranga management programme, “Transform Transforming the Workplace members in Parliamentary Services areas of common interest and has Hou, continues to be used and is in Sector Committee IR”, involving technology and business As the PSA further refines the objectives ratified a new collective agreement identified a work plan for next year the process of being introduced to process change over a medium-term for Transforming the Workplace, the that included a $1000 payment for Renee Delamere, convenor, Andy including health and safety, HSRA- Auckland DHB mental health services. timeframe, with consequent impact sector committee is exploring the union members upon ratification, Colwell, deputy convenor, Janet sponsored forums, and engagement The PSA continues to promote a much for the workforce. Discussions are opportunities to advance this agenda then a minimum increase of 1.5% to Calley, Rosemary Cullen, Nancy Dally, with the sector e.g. Health Workforce wider agenda of high-performing underway about the PSA’s engagement through both direct engagement apply to pay rates from the start of Allan Franks, Richard Hemingway, NZ. The HSRA has also supported the workplaces with the DHBs. Currently, in this programme. with members and employers, or the new Parliament. Annie Hetherington, Jacky Maaka, efforts of the Electoral Commission to the PSA together with other health bargaining, or both. Ellaina Martin, Ewan McCafferty, Carol Christchurch reconstruction After members took strike action, get members of the public to register sector unions is working with Hutt Padgett, Mike Prouting, Janet Quigley, Christchurch Public Service members a settlement was reached with the and vote in the general election. Valley DHB to create such a workplace. Bargaining are facing future disruption as plans Ministry of Business, Innovation Caz Thompson, Tiare Williams. The bargaining environment Bipartite relationships have been announced to relocate and Employment (MBIE), bringing Bargaining continues to get tougher as we The National Bipartite Action Group 1,700 workers from outlying Christchurch together terms and conditions from In line with the DHB sector bargaining enter the sixth year of public (NBAG) held regular meetings over suburbs into the new government four former agencies. The Health and strategy, the PSA has begun bargaining service frozen operational budgets. the last year. The NBAG programme precinct within the city. Not all Safety Inspectorate has transferred for its multi-employer collective included work on safe staffing, Christchurch-based public servants The PSA bargaining strategy for the to a new agency, Worksafe NZ. agreements (MECAs) that have healthy workplaces, the Living Wage, will be affected, with service delivery public service as a whole is currently expired or are about to expire. Negotiations are continuing for a the impact of family violence on functions in some cases remaining being reviewed. The bargaining priorities for MSD managers’ collective agreement. the workplace, and the implications in communities. This is not due to these MECAs are to maintain Despite the difficult environment, we Preparations for bargaining are of the Vulnerable Children’s Bill/ take effect for several years, as the the value of wages, improve have achieved a number of settlements underway in Statistics NZ, DOC Guidelines on the sector. precinct is constructed. As part of wages for those on low pay that resulted in more employees and ERO. the national organiser allocation, Healthy workplaces and achieve regionally-consistent joining the union. A new Ministry of a designated part-time role has The PSA continues to be represented rates of pay for administrative staff Justice collective agreement included Sector Committee been established to provide oversight on the Safe Staffing Healthy in the lower North Island. Other a one-off payment as a recruitment Peter Robertshaw (convenor), Nicole and coordination of our work in Workplaces Unit governance board. priorities include resolving problems initiative. This has proved successful Benkert, Robert Bennett, Caroline Christchurch as the rebuild progresses. The unit has appointed a full-time with the career and salary progression and through phone recruitment a Fisher, Gabie George, Jackie Kerr, staff member to help develop tools framework and access to training and Constructive engagement further 350 new members have Esther Longley, Bruce McKinlay, to better measure workloads of allied development leave and funding to The PSA continues to meet with the been recruited. Premnath Menon, Dave Nendick, health clinicians. PSA organisers and attend courses. State Services Commission. A key area Marcia Puru, Roberts Sisterson, delegates are involved in helping to of discussion is the question of a “work- Verna Sutherland, Marshall Tangaroa, develop these tools. The PSA now force strategy” and the implications of John Upfold , Richard Wagner. both a joined-up government service and preparing for the digital future.

18 19 Network activity Report to congress

Women’s network activity PSA Youth network activity

The Women’s network aims to provide women members with the confidence to participate at all levels of the PSA’s democratic structures The PSA Youth network has over 10,000 members

The network is a strong voice for the Closing the gender pay gap within PSA PSA Youth is a network of PSA PSA Youth lobbied to improvement of the working lives coverage is of utmost importance to members aged 35 and under. It was introduce a trial for of PSA women members and it PSA women members. The network is created to promote the interests and free student membership aims to be influential both inside part of the PSA’s Pay and Employment issues of young workers. of the PSA. The trial proved the PSA, and externally. Equity (PAEE) steering group and successful with almost 250 student Approximately 21.2% of PSA members plays a key part in developing and members now signed up. PSA Youth PSA Youth Membership of the network are aged 35 and under, giving the implementing the PSA’s PAEE strategy. are pushing to extend the trial to is made up of five stands at 1,484, 3.6% of the total network over 10,000 members. a permanent offer from the PSA at elected representatives: membership. Given that 69.6% of The network continues to promote The network has two overall goals: congress this year. The network is the PSA’s membership is female, “26 for babies”, the campaign in support National convenor, 1. increasing youth participation and also lobbying for representation and there is considerable potential to of the bill to extend paid parental Joseph Murray-Cullen engagement in the union and in voting rights at congress, as well as grow the network membership. leave to 26 weeks. The government the workplace free transitional membership for Upper North Island convenor, has already made gains towards better One of the PSA’s operating priorities 2. supporting the sustainability of PSA members between jobs. Cory Anderson parental leave entitlements but there for 2014 is for the network to unions in New Zealand by helping Lower North Island convenor, is much more work to be done. Four election-focused regional continue to provide leadership and to modernise the union movement. Peter Kim conferences were held across the influence members in workplaces. The network also encourages and The aim of the workshop is to increase PSA Youth communications are country in May (Auckland, Wellington, Upper South Island convenor, enables women’s participation in The PSA Women’s network was women members’ confidence to distinct from regular PSA efforts: Christchurch and Dunedin). The Jessi Abrams leadership positions in the PSA’s established in 2008 to: participate at all levels of the PSA’s the network has its own “look” and regional conferences gave 75 PSA Lower South Island convenor, governance structures by providing • promote the interests of women democratic structures. The workshops materials. Monthly e-newsletters Youth members a chance to hear Erin Hodgson training and support. “Targeting the within the PSA were over-subscribed in 2013 and and social media have proven to be about the PSA’s and the CTU’s Untapped Talent”, the PSA women’s • facilitate the sharing of information were very well received by those popular choices of communication campaign and how they can get The network is supported by two leadership workshop, is run every and experiences who attended. for the network. The Facebook page, involved. Members discussed their PSA staff members. year across the following centres: • encourage and support women’s in particular, has seen rapid growth priority issues, quizzed panels of Auckland/Northland, Central North participation in PSA representative over the last year with over 600 likes. MPs, and formulated an election Island, Wellington, Christchurch and structures at all levels. plan for their regions. upper South Island, Dunedin and Regional action groups were set up in lower South Island. response to feedback to provide more local content and activities. Regional convenors continue to develop local content as the regional action groups grow in size.

20 21 Report to congress

Out@PSA network activity Deaf and Disabled members’ network activity

The Deaf and Disabled members’ network is a place for Deaf and Disabled members to share information, organise and lobby on issues which affect them and their communities. The network celebrates diverse communities living with different abilities and their right to organise The network trialled a sign language rounded off the year. This was an and be heard. video, introducing the network to interactive and inspiring forum where Deaf members. The video was Growing the network, promoting the current situation regarding the welcomed and paves the way for key disability events, and making legislative allowance for exemption more accessible content in the future. stronger connections with the Deaf permits to the minimum wage to be and Disabled community have been A workshop on the Minimum issued for disabled people is examined key activities over the last year. Wage Act and exemption permits and critiqued.

Out@PSA’s network banner

Out@PSA is a network for PSA Out@PSA hosted stalls at Wellington’s The CTU’s Out@Work network has members who identify as , Out in the Square and Auckland’s developed and launched a new , , , Big Gay Out, recruiting new training resource entitled, Gender takataapui, fa’afafine or bisexual members and advertising the and at Work – A Social Workers Action (GLITTFAB). network to existing members. Resource for Organisers and Delegates. Network (SWAN) activity Out@PSA and the PSA have been very The network made a submission to In conjunction with Victoria University, supportive of this new resource and the parliamentary select committee the network completed the last phase were involved in its development. on proposed amendments to the State of its research into the working life of The resource will be utilised as part SWAN is a network within PSA for SWAN seeks to advocate for the Sector Act. Members of the network GLITTFAB people across the PSA’s five of the personalised strand in the social workers to come together and social work community and develop spoke to the submission at Parliament sectors. The methodology utilised PSA’s Transforming the Workplace organise around the issues facing a sense of cohesion, unity and in support of workers’ rights. in-depth interviews and the data is programme. Out@PSA will be social workers, ensuring that the strength amongst social workers. now being analysed in preparation unique needs of social workers are Members made a proposal to the sending 12 network members to the Making strong links with other social for publication. identified and responded to. PSA to expand recognition of gender first Training for Trainers seminar work organisations was a key activity identities. The PSA is in the process As part of a Council of Trade Union’s in August 2014. The PSA has, for a long time, provided of the last year. Shared resources of implementing the proposal by Out@Work committee, the network The network is also exploring Louisa comprehensive coverage of social have been developed by the PSA, expanding gender choices on PSA has been working with Standards Wall’s amendment to the Human workers working in the public sector. Aotearoa New Zealand Social forms and record keeping to include New Zealand to develop new Rights Act to include . We have a strong commitment to Work Association, the Social Work the option of X (indeterminate, standards for organisations to measure extending this support out to social Registration Board, and the Tangata intersex, unspecified) in addition to their commitment to gender identity workers in every practice area. Whenua Social Work Association. the existing male and female options. and diversity in the workplace.

22 23 General update Report to congress Submissions The team has worked on a number of Information technology Merger with SLGOU personal grievances and contractual Since September 2013, the PSA The IT team have had a busy year The PSA and the Southern Local disputes on behalf of members who has presented 13 submissions to introducing new call handling software Government Officers (SLGOU) is have been unjustifiably dismissed, parliamentary committees in for the organising centre. When considering a merger. A committee disadvantaged or faced unlawful response to bills that affect members’ linked to a unified communication composed of representatives in their work, most working lives. Encouraging members solution, which is about to be from both unions is exploring the of which have been resolved with to make submissions has proved to be deployed, the PSA should see issue and working towards the an agreed settlement either through a successful way of raising awareness significant cost savings and there development of a draft Memorandum mediation or the Employment and involving members in campaigns. should be improved call handling of Understanding on entering in Relations Authority. The PSA made submissions on a for members. This is anticipated good faith into a formal process wide range of issues from health and Some examples of specific matters to be live by the end of the year. towards a merger. If the merger safety to Māori language strategy. we have worked on this year are: process proceeds to a successful A great deal of work has gone into The submissions are available on conclusion, both unions will require Travel case researching the viability of tablets the PSA website. ratification in accordance with their We filed litigation against an employer and other hand-held devices for use respective rules. Legal representation in the home support and disability by organisers when at members’ sector seeking lawful payment of workplaces. The outcome has been The PSA legal team provides advice and the time that PSA members spend to replace the current HP laptops representation in legal proceedings travelling between clients. This with Toshiba Ultrabooks which are and supports organisers in dealing matter is now subject to negotiations significantly lighter than a laptop and with disciplinary investigations, between the unions involved in are nearly as fast as a tablet to start ACC reviews and appearances these sectors, the employers, and up, but still have the keyboard. before professional bodies. the Government. Member benefits Most matters are resolved confidentially Unlawful preference with the employer or at mediation, We have litigation underway alleging PSA Plus, the union’s member benefit with a minority of cases resulting that employers have conferred programme, has been under review. in litigation. unlawful preference relating to Research indicated that less than 1.5% of members take up any benefit This year we have provided legal terms and conditions of employment. and that PSA Plus, as a brand, was not advice and assistance about Sleepover Orders in Council widely recognised by members. collective bargaining throughout the We have continued advising on PSA membership including assisting the Orders in Council which ensure The PSA is now signing up with with drafting bargaining process that PSA members who have other New Zealand unions to agreements and requests for and do work sleepovers are Member Advantage, an Australian information under the Employment adequately compensated. union-owned company that Relations Act 2000 from employers specialises in negotiating member to substantiate their claims. We have benefits. The new arrangement is also assisted members in a number expected to greatly enhance the of restructurings. benefits the PSA will be able to offer members in the future at no extra There have been instances of employers Nearly 8,000 submissions by PSA members on the Employment cost to the union. The PSA’s existing seeking to limit public holiday rights, Relations Amendment Bill were delivered to Parliament benefits will continue under the new failures to pay agreed salary rates, Member Advantage programme. disparity in starting salaries in groups Communications The PSA website is being redeveloped of workers and changes to hours of to give members a more personal The PSA continues to look for low cost work without agreement that we and relevant online experience. and effective ways to communicate have challenged. Connection with members through with members. Members across social media continues to grow, with all sectors are kept up to date on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube all the work of the union with regular proving popular. email newsletters. Print resources, including Working Life, flyers, booklets, brochures and material to support campaigns and bargaining, still remain an important part of our communications strategy.

24 25 Sustainability report

12 May 2014 Financial report Financial

Resource Use 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 Vehicles 91,697 90,715 94,514 85,674 85,713 84,548 76,846 (litres of fuel) report Vehicles 245 243 253 229 229 227 206 (tonnes of CO2-e) Air travel 309 300 264 294 265 285 334 (tonnes of CO2-e) Electricity 427,666 459,264 490,031 409,762 397,237 424,051 411,100 (KWh)

(These figures are ONLY for PSA offices. Another 207,746 KWH of electricity and 1057 M3 of LPG gas was used by the PSA Holiday Homes.) N.B. 2014 data is for the period: 01/04/2013 – 31/03/2014 or as near to that entire year as possible with regard to the various times of energy company meter readings and other information supplied.

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