Advisory: Civilian defence staff deserve better - PSA

Source: PSA

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WHAT: Civilian NZDF staff strike action

WHEN: Thursday 27 April, 7am - 9am

WHERE: Devonport Ferry Terminal, Auckland

Civilian staff working for the New Zealand Defence Force will conduct a picket tomorrow morning at the Devonport Ferry Terminal in support of a nationwide campaign for improved pay and conditions.

The picket, to be conducted by workers from the Devonport Naval Base, will be in full view of thousands of morning commuters.

Their action will impact a wide range of vital military support services including computer logistics, security, administration and ship maintenance.

At issue is the NZDF’s ongoing refusal to engage in pay bargaining which has meant that some civilian staff have not received an increase in three years.

There have also been reports of attempted intimidation of workers intending to take strike action.

To further support the workers’ actions, the PSA has also taken a complaint over the NZDF’s lack of engagement to the Employment Relations Authority.

"This is highly frustrating," says PSA organiser Nick Kelly.

"The NZDF has consistently refused to discuss pay, the most basic of all employment conditions.

"Our members perform critical work in support of those who serve our country but, as civilian staff, they are offered less respect with the pay offered for some positions now thousands of dollars behind the market rate.

"This is disgraceful.

"The NZDF is a government agency - they must do the right thing and stop behaving like a rogue employer."

Devonport will be the fifth military base to join a rolling action that has so far effected Wellington, Trentham, Linton, Ohakea and Kauri Point.

The remainder of New Zealand’s military bases are currently being balloted in order to see what kind of actions they may wish to take.

PSA members make significant contributions in support of our defence forces and their international reputation.

Administrators ensure uniformed staff have passports and keep them paid while security guards take responsibility for the safety of both bases and on-site personnel.

At the same time, stores staff prepare and maintain the supplies and equipment necessary for overseas deployments as catering workers and stewards make sure the NZDF marches on a full stomach.

ENDS

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