The Warehouse joins the GCSB in supporting workers experiencing family violence

Source: PSA

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The Public Service Association (PSA) congratulates The Warehouse group for joining the GCSB in implementing support for workers experiencing family violence, and calls for state sector chief executives to follow their lead.

Staff working for the GCSB recently signed a new collective agreement giving them support if they are experiencing family violence, similar to that agreed with The Warehouse.

Erin Polaczuk, PSA national secretary, said "chief executives of state sector organisations should follow the lead of the GCSB and The Warehouse,"

"The Warehouse has recognised that keeping victims of family violence in work improves outcomes for them and their families. For the past two years the PSA has been seeking agreement from State sector employers to similar supports. So far, only the GCSB has agreed.

"Our submission on the Family Violence Legislation Discussion Paper we call for leadership from state sector chief executives and the extension of these supports to all workers through legislation.

"Putting in place these supports would not only be the right thing to do, it would also save the taxpayer money.

"Family violence is likely to cost the State as an employer nearly $48 million per annum.

"In a 2013 survey of PSA members 26% of respondents had personally experienced domestic violence and more than half of this group (58%) reported being in paid employment at the time," said Erin Polaczuk.

ENDS

PSA submission on strengthening New Zealand’s family violence law
http://www.psa.org.nz/dmsdocument/66677

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