Union argues that the move will restrict civilian workers' right to strike
The New Zealand government has introduced a new bill allowing the redeployment of uniformed personnel to temporarily replace New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) civilian staff who are carrying out strike action.
The Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill allows the defence minister to authorise the Chief of Defence Force (CDF) to redeploy uniformed personnel to manage their workforce and ensure national security amid industrial action.
The current legislation only allows this move for 14 days before needing a resolution from Parliament. Redeployment is also limited to situations where health and safety are compromised if work is not carried out by the Armed Forces
But amendment removes the need for a resolution from Parliament after 14-day period. It also expands this legislation to include the redeployment of uniformed personnel to do work, including providing security at military bases, weapons and munitions servicing, as well as aircraft maintenance.
"The authorisation of military personnel to cover civilian tasks when industrial action occurs within the NZDF is not taken lightly. But when required, it should be practical in its application. This Bill delivers on that," said Defence Minister Judith Collins in a statement.
Restricting Right to Strike
But the Public Service Association (PSA) slammed the proposal, saying it will restrict defence staff from carrying out strike action.
PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the bill will make it harder for Defence staff to bargain for fair pay and conditions.
"Public sector workers face the same rising costs as everyone else. Instead of restricting their fundamental democratic right to strike, the Government should show them respect and pay them fairly," Fitzsimons said in a statement.
But Collins assured that the bill will not restrict civilian employees' right to take strike action.
"The ability and right of NZDF civilian staff and public service employees to take industrial action remains," the minister said. "But these changes ensure the security of New Zealand, and the safety of New Zealanders, endures while civilian staff exercise their rights."
The introduction of the amendment stems from the industrial action taken by civilian staff in December, which prompted Collins to seek Parliamentary approval to redeploy uniformed personnel to do the work of striking civilian staff.
"At a time of increasing security challenges, these commonsense changes need to be made," Collins said.
The bill will be open for submissions from the public when it is referred to the select committee in September 2025.
