ERA asked to issue compliance order stopping agency layoffs
The Public Service Association (PSA) has filed a case against Health NZ in a bid to stop its plan to cut roles in its Data and Digital Directorate.
The PSA is asking the Employment Relations Authority (PSA) to issue a compliance order stopping the dismissals based on breaches of:
"The legal proceedings are on the basis that the proposed changes are grossly substandard, contain basic inaccuracies, and pay little regard to the health and safety implications of the proposals on workers and patients," said Fleur Fitzsimons, Acting National Secretary for the PSA, in a statement.
According to Fitzsimons, Health NZ is obliged to ensure health workers are valued, respected, and supported.
"These have been breached through a succession of poorly planned and executed restructures," she said.
It was reported in December that Health NZ had plans to cut 47% of roles in its Data and Digital Directorate, resulting in the loss of 1,120 roles, including vacancies.
The New Zealand Herald reported that Health NZ has yet to make a final decision on the changes, and the agency is currently considering staff feedback.
Fiona McCarthy, interim chief human resources officer, told the Herald she could not comment on the legal matter, but noted that the agency had been focused on transparency with staff and unions.
The PSA also asked the Privacy Commissioner to look into these cuts amid concerns that they do not consider the importance of the work performed by the affected employees.
"The PSA will leave no stone unturned in trying to stop dangerous health cuts and job losses," Fitzsimons said. "This has all been about saving dollars, not saving lives. It's disgraceful. That's why we are asking the Employment Relations Authority to urgently hear our case."
Fitzsimons said the government should take the blame for forcing Health NZ to cut roles.
"The PSA urges the Government to reverse the cuts before long-term damage is done to the quality of patient care. The stakes are too high," she said.
This is not the first time that the ERA has filed a case against government-driven job cuts.
Last year, it also took the Education Ministry to the authority and won after the ERA ruled that the cuts were "unlawful."
