Over 1500 to strike over Ministry of Education's proposed pay freeze
The Ministry was focused on a fair outcome Acting Leader (Hautū) Corporate Rob Campbell says.
Photo:
RNZ / Quin Tauetau
The public sector union says more than 1500 workers at the Ministry of Education will walk off the job for an hour on Wednesday to protest a pay freeze.
The Public Service Association said it was the first time in 20 years its members at the Ministry had gone on strike.
"We're taking strike action because the Ministry is refusing to recognise the increased cost of living facing Ministry staff and their families by proposing a two-year freeze on pay bands," national secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi Fleur Fitzsimons said.
She said most members would not get a pay rise out of this proposal.
"The Ministry is also looking to cut Ministry staff out of consultation on change processes and do away with provisions for flexible working," Fitzsimons said.
She said the employer hadn't budged since talks started in December.
The Ministry was focused on a fair outcome Acting Leader (Hautū) Corporate Rob Campbell said.
"We respect the right of employees to take industrial action and are committed to continuing good-faith bargaining," he said.
Campbell said he was hoping for progress towards a resolution during bargaining on Wednesday and in mediation scheduled for the end of the month.
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