Source: PSA
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.
“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.
