NZ Public Servants Strike for Fair Pay as Inflation Bites

New Zealand's public servants are striking for fair pay as they face real-terms cuts due to inflation. Over 10,000 workers across the country walked off the job on September 9th in support of their collective agreements.

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi (PSA) members who run New Zealand's welfare and pension systems, operate its borders, prevent child exploitation and digital extremism, and much more, are seeking pay rises that keep pace with inflation at 4.1 percent.

The Government's proposed offers range from a 0.8 percent increase to a lump sum and 1.5 percent increase, which would be cuts in real terms. Immigration officers, for example, earn between NZ$60,000 and NZ$70,000 per year.