More front-line public sector jobs being cut

The Public Service Association is concerned that the number of public sector jobs being cut in the regions is rising.

The National Library of New Zealand is cutting 14 jobs in its Services to Young New Zealanders section that provides library services to schools.

Jobs are being cut in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Gisborne, Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, Dunedin and Invercargill.

“We appreciate this restructuring is being driven by a need to update the way the National Library provides services to students in schools,” says PSA national secretary Brenda Pilott.

“Feedback from staff shows they acknowledge the need for change and support the direction the National Library is taking in this restructure.”

“But they’re concerned that having fewer staff could undermine their ability to deliver services to schools.”

“The PSA is concerned that once again we’re seeing public sector jobs being cut in cities throughout the country.”

“In this case National Library offices are being closed in Whangarei, Gisborne and Nelson.”

“We acknowledge that the National Library is committed to maintaining service delivery in these areas.”

“But the fact is front-line public sector jobs are being cut nationwide. This is despite the government saying it would cap the public service and move workers onto the front line,” says Brenda Pilott.

Last month 19 front-line fishery management jobs were cut in Dunedin Nelson, Napier and Auckland. This job involves ensuring our coastal fish stocks are not over-fished.

A national network of labour market managers was axed last month. They were based in 12 regions and worked with employers, skill training providers and local authorities to ensure each region had the workers it needs to keep its economy running.

In April the Tertiary Education Commission cut 70 jobs and closed its Christchurch and Rotorua offices. The commission allocate more than $3 billion a year of taxpayers’ money to around 730 tertiary education organisations spread throughout the country.

Last week MAF announced that biosecurity staff are being cut in Northland, Auckland, Tauranga, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Wellington and Nelson. They work at ports and airports to stop pests and diseases that could decimate our agriculture sector from entering the country.

“We were promised a rolling maul of initiatives to save jobs,” says Brenda Pilott.”Instead unemployment is rapidly rising and public sector jobs are being axed in cities across the country.”

ENDS

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