Further privatisation of public services as NZDF’s Devonport restructure confirmed

The Public Service Association (PSA) says the NZ Defence Force (NZDF) restructure at Devonport Dockyard, announced to staff today following an absolute shambles yesterday, is effectively further privatisation as 52 jobs formerly done by public servants will now be done by contractor Babcock (NZ) Limited.

Richard Wagstaff, PSA National Secretary, said “We are pleased that our members now have certainty, but that is cold comfort to many who will be out of a job,”

“While some may be able to shift across to the contractor, many will not, and the total number of positions is being reduced.

“Privatising our core defence capacity is a bad move that will result in the loss of significant experience and institutional knowledge.

“Hard working Defence Force staff, with years of loyal service, deserve better than to be cast aside by their employer.

“We are disappointed that NZDF seems to have ignored much of our detailed submission on their proposal, and are still pushing through these poorly thought out changes.

“Morale is a serious issue in NZDF, and restructures like this will only do further harm,” said Richard Wagstaff.

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