Source: PSA
The PSA is welcoming the Government’s move to introduce new ‘speaking up’ standards but says more needs to be done to restore the workplace culture across the public service which has been severely damaged by job cuts.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins and Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche have announced new ‘speaking up’ model standards will be introduced across the public service which will set clear expectations for regular communication with complainants, legal support in specific circumstances and stronger pathways for complaints to escalate issues.
“We agree with the Minister that all who suffer sexual harassment in the workplace need to be treated with dignity, and respect, but a much broader culture shift is needed,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“If the Government is really serious about ending harassment, bullying and discrimination then it should be taking a close look at workplace culture.
“Cutting thousands and jobs, increasing workloads, and cutting back workplace flexibility have all contributed to low morale. Public service workers are anxious; they fear for their livelihoods under this government’s cost cutting approach.
“There are significant problems in the wider public sector including at ACC where an independent culture review found low trust in internal complaints processes and that many staff were unaware of the avenues for raising concerns about inappropriate behaviour.
“Public service workers need to be able to speak up with fear of punishment. Their concerns need to be taken seriously, but often environment, culture and processes for this to happen are lacking.
“Leaders need to lead – supporting managers with the right training and education so workers can escalate issues without fear. Right now, the approach is inconsistent across the public sector.
“There needs to be a concerted effort across the public service to improve the approach.
“The PSA wants to work with agencies to ensure policies and practices are robust, fair and include the right to natural justice. We need to get this right.”
