The PSA is calling on the Ministry of Social Development
(MSD) to pause a proposal to cut security guards from three
to two at 20 offices around the country until the union is
satisfied that proper risk assessments have been carried
out.
MSD is planning to introduce the two-guard model
at smaller centres across the country from Waiuku through to
Gore (see note below).
“Every worker deserves to be
safe at work, and this decision risks repeating the mistakes
of the past,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for
the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga
Mahi.
“The PSA formally asked for site specific risk
assessments to be undertaken in a letter to MSD on 3
February 2025.
“The PSA met with MSD this week to
discuss concerns that the proposal to reduce security guards
was developed without consultation with workers who would be
most impacted.
“MSD claims to have undertaken a site
assessment, but this has not yet included consultation with
workers on the sites or the union. The voice of workers and
the union is critical for risks to be properly
considered.
“We have asked for a copy of the so-called
site assessments so we can determine if they adequately
assess risk facing our members. MSD has not agreed to
provide the assessments but has agreed to discuss them
further with the PSA.”
MSD has now committed to
engaging with PSA members at each site which is a welcome
development, but we have no commitment that decisions to
reduce security guard numbers will be re-visited.
Advertisement – scroll to continue reading
“We
remain concerned that the approach from MSD disrespects the
vital role security guards play in keeping both MSD workers
and members of the public safe. They can de-escalate tense
situations before they spiral out of control.
“People
often come to MSD offices at the most stressful times of
their lives – dealing with unemployment, housing insecurity,
or financial hardship. Sometimes they take their
frustrations out on frontline staff.
“In an
environment of increased unemployment and lack of housing,
this is exactly the wrong time to be reducing
security.”
The PSA will continue to press MSD for
specific risk assessments that reflect the concerns of
workers for each of the 20 impacted sites before the
proposal can be finalised.
Note: the
impacted offices are in Alexandra, Balclutha, Cambridge,
Dannevirke, Feilding, Foxton, Gore, Greymouth, Marton,
Matamata, Ngāruawāhia, Ōtaki, Queenstown, Stratford,
Taihape, Te Kūiti, Wainuiomata, Waitara, Waiuku and
Westport
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.
