Nearly 10,000 New Zealand public servants to strike over pay

Nearly 10,000 New Zealand public servants are set to strike for several hours on September 9 after talks over pay and working conditions failed to reach an agreement, according to Reuters.

The planned strike will see workers stage pickets and rallies across the country, adding pressure on the government ahead of New Zealand’s national election on November 7.

The Public Service Association mentioned its members had been offered pay increases below inflation while dealing with heavier workloads and the impact of public sector spending cuts.

Since taking office in 2023, the government has reduced public sector spending and cut the workforce, with the union arguing that the changes have placed additional pressure on employees and the delivery of public services.

The industrial action will involve workers at the Department of Internal Affairs, National Emergency Management Agency, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Ministry of Social Development, the Public Service Association (PSA) said.

Union criticises below-inflation pay offers

PSA National Secretary Duane Leo said public servants were facing worsening working conditions alongside pay offers that failed to keep pace with inflation.

"Public servants are facing pay offers well below inflation while ⁠working amid the devastating consequences of the Government's public service cuts," PSA National Secretary Duane Leo said in a statement.

The union said workers at some of the affected agencies have already taken industrial action. Staff from the Department of Internal Affairs, NEMA and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities staged a strike on July 6.

Strike adds pressure ahead of election

The September 9 action comes as the government faces a closely contested election, with opinion polls indicating a tight race.

The dispute highlights growing tensions over public sector pay and working conditions following several years of workforce reductions and spending restraint.

The PSA has warned that the pressure on public servants and government agencies will continue unless workers secure improved pay and working conditions.