The PSA is standing by its ‘change the Government’
postcard campaign after issuing fresh advice to members –
this follows Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche
complaining the postcards breached political neutrality and
should not be displayed in public service
workplaces.
“We are not retreating from our position
and reject Sir Brian’s characterisation of the postcards,”
said Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA National Secretary Public Service
Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“Our legal
advice is that they do not breach the obligations on public
servants to be politically neutral and reflects the rights
of public service workers to freedom of expression under the
Bill of Rights.
“Our members have the same rights of
political expression as any other New Zealander, and for
many election cycles they have shared union material at work
consistently with their duty to be politically neutral in
how they do their jobs. That has not changed.”
The
fresh advice sent to members confirms that the campaign will
continue. Members can take postcards home to share with
family and friends, and can share them with workmates, but
should not leave or display them anywhere open to the
public. Members are advised to keep doing their jobs
impartially, not to use workplace resources for election
activity, and, where practical, to cover or remove work
lanyards or identifying items if attending
rallies.
The PSA disputes the Commissioner’s view
that the postcards amount to election advertising and is
seeking further independent legal advice on the
matter.
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“It’s a bit rich for Sir Brian to lecture us
on political neutrality when his own investigation into the
Commission’s anti-strike Facebook adverts is well overdue,
and has already cost tens of thousands of dollars,”
Fitzsimons said.
“That review is due to report
shortly. New Zealanders will be able to judge then for
themselves whether it has delivered any real
accountability.
“We welcome Sir Brian agreeing to meet
with us to discuss this. We’re always ready for a genuine
conversation, but political neutrality must be a standard
the Commission holds itself to as well.
“And we stand
by our campaign – we need to change the Government to one
that properly values a public service and equips it to meet
the many challenges New Zealanders face. This government has
done nothing but run it down, cast thousands out of work,
and eroded the services New Zealanders rely on.
“The
Government plans 9000 more job cuts so we are sending a loud
and clear message that enough is enough and come 7 November
we urge voters to change the
Government.”
Notes:
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dispute
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga
Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade
union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers
across central government, state-owned enterprises, local
councils, health boards and community
groups.
