IRD Negotiations Break Down Over Pay Issues

Sunday 18 April 2004

MEDIA RELEASE

IRD Negotiations Break Down Over Pay Issues

“Negotiations with the Inland Revenue Department broke down on Friday and our delegates are now considering options to try to change the IRD position,” said Martin Cooney, Organiser of the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE). NUPE is one of three Unions representing IRD staff nationally.

“NUPE members are upset that IRD is refusing to pay an additional duties allowance to staff doing tasks outside their normal work such as peak phones during the coming peak tax season,” said Martin Cooney.

“Our members are also still upset over the unfairness of the recent pay offer made to staff. They want to negotiate fairer rates so that all IRD staff in teams get the 8.8% that Team Leaders receive,” said Martin Cooney.

“The Department claims that the inequity is simply reflecting the market. However, we know anecdotally for example that private debt collectors are earning more and getting bigger raises than some equivalent IRD staff who were only offered 1.2% this year making a total of 4.1% since 1998.” said Martin Cooney.

“These staff face threats to themselves and even threats of suicide in doing their very difficult jobs – they deserve to be paid fairly.”

“Delegates will be consulting with members tomorrow before determining how to proceed.”

ENDS

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