Forty Hour Week Still Not A Reality - PSA
PSA Media Release
Forty Hour Week Still Not A Reality - PSA
Forty hour week still not a reality in public sector
166 years after Parnell
A forty hour working week is
still not a reality in the public sector on Labour Day in
2006, 166 years after carpenter Samuel Parnell took a stand
for the eight hour day in 1840. “State Service’s
Commission figures show that nearly 70 percent of public
servants work more hours than they are paid for,” said PSA
National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.
“New Zealand’s
long hours culture must be addressed to ensure that New
Zealand worker’s can balance their family, community and
work commitments.”
“Our union is seeking to ‘take
back time’ by ensuring that workloads are manageable and
that all workers get paid a fair living wage.”
The
PSA is currently undertaking work to encourage employers in
the public service to adopt practices to ensure decent work
and decent workplaces.
“A decent workplace is one where
employees are respected, the hours of work are manageable
and where pay and condition are fair,” said Richard
Wagstaff.
Ends