Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says tomorrow’s strikes will result in significant disruption for patients, parents, students and families.
“I regret that outcome for New Zealanders, especially as I thought progress could have been made on bargaining – disappointingly, the unions didn’t see it that way,” says Sir Brian.
“New Zealanders rightly expect to rely on public services when they need them. My thoughts tomorrow will be with the people affected by these strikes – those who will miss out on care in public hospitals, education in our schools, or other essential services, and all the parents across the country who will be affected by school closures.
“Irrespective of events tomorrow, I remain committed to finding a pathway through the challenge we currently face.
“We can only resolve these matters through constructive dialogue – not disruption.
“As we navigate our way through this, I am also reflecting on what, if anything, we can learn from the private sector. There haven’t been major strikes, and most settlements have been at lower rates than what’s currently on offer in the public sector. This contrast highlights just how complex and challenging the situation is.
“I urge the unions to come back to the table to negotiate a realistic and reasonable solution that enables public servants to do what they are committed to doing every day, and that is to serve the people of New Zealand.”
