More strike action coming in public service after second day of stoppages

More than 4000 PSA members walked off the job for a second time today, with further strike action now likely early next month.

Members at Inland Revenue (IR) and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) held a two-hour strike in support of their claim for fair pay systems and a modest pay rise.

"Our members are frustrated and disappointed they can’t seem to make progress on these very reasonable claims," PSA National Secretary Erin Polaczuk says.

"Both MBIE and IR can afford to do what our members are asking for out of their existing funding - no government handout needed.

"IR have refused to budge on pay, and our members are voting today on whether to take further industrial action."

PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says there has been some progress at MBIE, but not enough.

"Our members were reluctant to take strike action, but they felt like they had no choice," Mr Barclay says.

Striking workers attended rallies in larger centres, while in some smaller cities members opted to do work in their community.

In Palmerston North, members did a leaflet drop for Women’s Refuge, while in Dunedin they volunteered at the Otago Community Hospice.

"Our Dunedin members marched two weeks ago, but this time they wanted to give back to their local community," PSA Organiser Jon Henning says.

Ms Polaczuk says the PSA will return to the bargaining table at any time, and she encourages MBIE and IR to take PSA members’ frustration seriously.
"Our members just want a fair deal, and for their employers to listen."

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