Gisborne Community Corrections workers walked off the job yesterday after members rejected the department’s pay offer following nine months of negotiation.
Workers who are members of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi went on strike for two hours. It was their first such action since 2001.
The workers included probation officers, those who manage people on electronic monitoring sentences and on home detention and workers who provide bail support and facilitate programmes in prisons.
“It’s disappointing for workers to take this action but members are insulted by the latest offer which fails to address the real pressures on their households from the cost-of-living challenge,” PSA lead organiser Josephine O’Connor said.
“The retention and recruitment problems facing Corrections will only worsen if it fails to come to the table with a renewed offer which properly recognises the important work our members do to keep our communities safe.”
