WorkSafe New Zealand Board Chair Jennifer Kerr has today announced the resignation of Chief Executive Phil Parkes.
“Phil has been a strong voice for the need to collectively prioritise health and safety,” says Ms Kerr.
“It has been clear to me in interactions I have had, particularly with system partners, that Phil’s commitment and passionate and articulate advocacy for health and safety is highly respected.”
“Phil has been with WorkSafe for almost nine years and believes the time is right for his next chapter, and for new leadership and thinking for the organisation. I thank him for his service.”
WorkSafe is currently implementing the recommendations of the Strategic Baseline Review. This requires us to streamline our activities and refocus on our core functions.
As part of this process, WorkSafe is consulting with staff on a change proposal. This proposal prioritises our front line and core roles and focuses non-personnel savings over role reductions. When the organisational change has been completed and the recommendations of the Review implemented, WorkSafe will be in a better position to build our investment case for sustainable funding.
Phil Parkes will continue as Chief Executive while the organisation works through the change process and plans to finish up with WorkSafe by the end of 2023.
“It’s been a privilege to have worked with such a dedicated team who are committed to reduce work-related harm across Aotearoa. I acknowledge all WorkSafe kaimahi, and our partners in the health and safety system for their commitment to making a difference.”
“Thanks to the organisations and workers who put people first, and the mahi of talented, dedicated people in WorkSafe, we’ve seen work related fatalities in Aotearoa reduce since 2013. But there is more to do. We all need to keep doing everything we can to improve health, safety and equitable outcomes across Aotearoa.”
WorkSafe is New Zealand’s primary health and safety regulator. Established in 2013, WorkSafe has led changes to the Health and Safety system in New Zealand.
Its purpose is to promote and contribute to a balanced framework for securing the health and safety of kaimahi and workplaces, as well as the safe supply and use of electricity and gas.
As a Crown agent under the Crown Entities Act 2004, WorkSafe has a Governance Board appointed by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety.
Phil Parkes has been a WorkSafe leader since 2015 and Chief Executive since 2020. Jennifer Kerr was appointed Board Chair in October 2022.
WorkSafe New Zealand has today opened staff consultation on its organisation change proposal.
WorkSafe is committed to working towards a sustainable operating model. The change proposal aims to streamline our activities to focus on the core functions New Zealanders expect of their health and safety regulator.
Since WorkSafe’s inception, our baseline funding has been maintained and we have received additional ongoing funding for specific activities, as well as time-limited funding for short-term cost pressures like COVID-19 and the Whakaari litigation.
As part of ongoing funding discussions, in 2021, the former Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety commissioned the Strategic Baseline Review.
The Review found that while WorkSafe is performing its core regulatory functions, work was needed to achieve a sustainable funding model and clarity about the outcomes WorkSafe is delivering to New Zealanders.
WorkSafe agreed to the recommendations in the Review, and we have been working at pace to implement these recommendations, which are critical to enable us to develop a clear investment case for future funding.
The current proposal includes a number of roles being disestablished and new roles being established. While the proposal is subject to change, the overall roles within WorkSafe may reduce by 100-120.
We have recently been provided with additional ongoing funding to allow us to maintain victim services and coronial services through this change process. We have also been supported with additional cost pressure funding for the Whakaari litigation and new contingency funding, which we can draw on for unexpected events. This support means we don’t have to further reduce services, including at the frontline.
The proposed changes would still result in WorkSafe having more staff than we did prior to COVID-19. We have worked hard to prioritise non-personnel cost reductions over changes that directly impact our people, including by reducing current vacancies within WorkSafe.
There is no proposed impact to our frontline inspectors and investigators. It remains WorkSafe’s intention to grow inspector numbers over the coming years, with more inspectors planned for later this year. If a health and safety inspector is operating in a non-frontline role, and is impacted through the change, they will be offered redeployment to a frontline inspector role. This reflects our commitment to streamline our activities to our core functions.
As we move through the consultation process our priority is to communicate with our kaimahi first.
Notes on new funding:
Ongoing funding of $4.024 million ($1.006m per year) over the forecast period to enable the retention of WorkSafe’s victim services and coronial services.
$7 million in a tagged contingency to support WorkSafe to manage unexpected costs arising out of the change process without further FTE reductions
A tagged contingency to support WorkSafe with costs associated with the Whakaari litigation.
The economy is in stronger than expected shape, with official figures showing GDP growing at an annual rate of 3.2% says NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.
“The June quarter result is an encouraging sign of the underlying strength of the economy,” said Renney.
“The data also confirms that the economy was not in a recession, showing flat growth instead. When taken together with strong employment data, strong wage growth, and falling inflation, this data does not support those who are seeking to paint a picture of a struggling economy. They are wrong.”
“The data shows that the economy is now 9.2% larger than it was at the start of COVID-19. Quarterly growth was stronger than had been forecast by ANZ, ASB, Westpac, RBNZ, and the Treasury forecasts just last week. Growth was widespread, with 14 of the 16 sectors of the economy showing annual output growth. Exports were 13.1% higher than in June last year, again showing the New Zealand economy competing successfully on the world stage.
“This data is welcome news. The New Zealand economy is growing even with strong population growth. GDP per capita rose 2.2% last year. International experts such as Standard & Poor have said that New Zealand has ‘excellent institutions, a wealthy economy and moderate public indebtedness’. We can now add that it also has a growing economy, and no recession despite huge international economic challenges.
“We are in good shape and while there may still be dark clouds ahead, the underlying picture is one of an economy that has weathered the post-COVID environment better than many expected.”
The Government has announced a short-term basic financial and welfare support package, including job search assistance, to individuals on the Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa (MEPV).
This support package will only be available to migrant workers on the MEPV and will be available until March 2024.
Information can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website:
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions says it beggars belief that National Leader Christopher Luxon can retain confidence in his finance spokesperson Nicola Willis after the latest revelations about the size of the hole in its tax plan.
As reported on RNZ today, two respected economists, working with property experts CoreLogic, show National’s Foreign Buyer Tax would raise just $210m a year compared to National’s optimistic estimates of $740 million.
“This amounts to a staggering hole of more than $2 billion over the four-year forecast period,” said CTU President Richard Wagstaff.
“The CTU has said all along that National’s tax plan doesn’t add up and the weight of expert evidence continues to mount daily, confirming a huge headache for National – the credibility of finance spokesperson Nicola Willis is at stake here.
“We call on Christopher Luxon to express confidence in Ms Willis and explain how the Foreign Buyer Tax will work and release the reports which they are relying on instead of resorting to the sweeping and shallow defences he has made to date. He needs to front up and answer the hard questions journalists are asking every day.
“There is too much at stake here. If the numbers don’t add up as many now suspect, and a huge fiscal hole to the tune of billions of dollars opens up, a National-ACT government would have to take an even sharper axe to public services and slash and burn core services should it form the next government.
“Nicola Willis has said she wants to cut $600 million in public sector spending by Christmas. Clearly, the cuts would be more severe to make the tax plan work – they would need to more than double – and that means the public service would be incapacitated and unable to function effectively.
“National needs to come clean on what those cuts will mean for New Zealanders – without a doubt services New Zealanders need across health, education, justice, welfare, conservation, biosecurity, customs and much more are at risk.
“Mr Luxon makes a lot of his corporate record – but no leader of a listed company would stand for this shambolic accounting.
“This election is all about earning the right to lead New Zealand. Right now, Mr Luxon is not doing enough to prove he’s got what it takes. He needs to front up with evidence and numbers that add up, or own up to the fact that his plan is not fit for purpose.”
There’s a lot at stake this election, and we want to see a Labour-led Government back in power to protect the gains we’ve made for workers.
Join Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, Deputy Prime Minister, Carmel Sepuloni, Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson, and your E tū leaders for an afternoon of music, kai and activism!
We’ll also head out to knock on doors and talk with the local community about the importance of voting and why a Labour-led Government is vital for workers.
WHEN:Saturday 16 September WHERE: EFKS Church, 43 Thomas Road, Māngere, Auckland TIME: 12pm start
Remember to pledge to vote
E tū members all over Aotearoa are making clear their intention to vote in the General Election.
Make the commitment by filling our Pledge to Vote HERE (if you haven’t already), and pass it on to share with workmates, whānau, friends, and your community.
We need everyone to get out and vote for a Labour-led Government, so we can ensure our voices are heard and we keep everything that we’ve worked so hard for!
Cleaners’ strike continues
Last week, cleaners working for cleaning company OCS took strike action again – this time at Auckland Airport, with a picket outside the domestic terminal.
OCS is refusing to come to the table with a pay increase for these workers, as one of the companies in bargaining for the new cleaners’ Multi-Employer Collective Agreement (MECA).
Jacqueline Davis, one of the cleaners who went on strike, says the zero offer shows the companies don’t care about their workers.
“Personally, I think they just don’t give a damn about us. We’re nothing in their eyes, we’re just the little cleaners.
“OCS and all the other companies need to treat us with respect. If it wasn’t for us cleaners, the airport would be a hell of a mess. They need to treat us like people, we are sick of being treated like doormats.”
Strike action is planned to continue until OCS cleaners are offered a fair pay rise.
E tū leader joins international union conference
Last week, E tū leader Rosey Ngakopu, who works as a security guard in Wellington, joinedUNI Global Union’s 6th World Congressand Women’s Conference in Philadelphia.
Rosey was there to talk about E tū’s Fair Pay Agreement journey – from campaigning for it to become law, to finally starting to negotiate for security guards’ first-ever FPA!
She says the conferences were eye-opening and inspiring – and now E tū members need to take action to protect FPAs.
“We are being looked up to and watched by the unions overseas for our FPA model. Now we have to save FPAs by voting for a Labour-led Government.
“We have to encourage our family and friends to put their votes forward for the parties that support workers and will put them first before profit.”
New alliance in Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Tāmaki Makaurau
Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Tāmaki Makaurauis a new community alliance that seeks to unite the voices of our communities to tackle some of the big problems we face in Auckland.
E tū has been a strong driver of this new alliance, which focuses on three areas – housing, decent work, and migrant, former refugee and asylum seeker issues.
Come along to help us officially launch Te Ohu Tāmaki on Wednesday 6 September, 6pm-8pm in Māngere!
Living Wage ticks over to $26 per hour
On 1 September, the Living Wage went up to the official 2023/24 rate of $26 per hour.
This is a huge achievement and means a wage increase of almost 10%, which reflects the real cost of living increase for working families.
People working for Living Wage Employers are now entitled to this new rate, as are thousands of workers across the public sector, where E tū has won Living Wage victories.
Diversional therapists meet in Wellington
Do you know what the role of a diversional therapist is?
Diversional and recreational therapists support people with physical and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and age-related conditions like dementia.
They organise and facilitate creative and engaging programmes for the clients to increase their psycho-social health.
In mid-August, E tū members working at diversional therapists joined the annual conference for workers in their profession. It was a great chance to come together, connect, and attend a range of workshops.
E tū co-president Muriel Tunoho also gave a presentation (to standing ovation!) on employment rights, including E tū members’ current fight for pay equity for care and support workers.
E tū offices on the move
Our Wellington office is now moving into the city!
From 11 September, our new Wellington office address is:
Level 12, 79 Boulcott Street
Wellington 6011
Please note that the Whangarei office is now closed permanently. If you need to get in touch with an organiser in this area, please email support@etu.nz for more info.
New to E tū? Come to a welcome meeting
Learn more about how E tū can support you, how to use our digital tools, and more!
Click on the link of your preferred time to register.
WHEN:Wednesday 11 October TIME: 10am-11am: TIME: 7pm-8pm:
We use Zoom to host our meetings.
Events coming up
Auckland Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga launch – Wednesday 6 September, 6pm-8pm Lesieli Tonga Auditorium, 143 Favona Road, Māngere CLICK HERE to register now
E tū Election Campaign Launch – Saturday 16 September, 12pm EFKS Church, 43 Thomas Road, Māngere, Auckland CLICK HERE to register now
Climate Action Week – Monday 18 September to Sunday 24 September Nationwide events, CLICK HERE for more.
Living Wage Forums – Friday 29 September, 6.30pm-8pm Auckland: Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 27 Galway Street, Onehunga Wellington: St Peters on Willis, Willis Street, Wellington Christchurch: Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street, Christchurch
Treasury data released today shows a resilient economy, but one with long-term challenges that need to be addressed to make sure that New Zealanders benefit from future economic growth, said CTU Economist and Director of Policy Craig Renney. The Treasury forecasts show that government debt will continue to be low by international standards, and unemployment will continue to be lower than the long-run. Wages will continue to grow faster than inflation, with record migration driving house prices higher in the future.
Craig Renney said “While it is pleasing to see growth returning in the economy, we need to make sure that the benefits of that growth are being equally shared. That means making sure that the government is continuing to invest in essential public services. It means making sure that benefits and pensions rise in line with wages, rather than with inflation. Maintaining fiscal control is important, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of leaving the most vulnerable New Zealanders behind.
Renney said “Whoever is in government after the election will be faced with the same set of choices. The test is how they respond to them. Spending cuts and tax giveaways, or maintaining the public services that we all rely upon. Treasury data today shows that we should take heart from the resilience of the economy. What we choose to use that resilience for will determine the outcomes for New Zealanders”.
The National Party has identified nearly $2.5bn of cuts to public services to pay for its tax programme, but an analysis by the CTU shows that this includes services many New Zealanders would consider front-line, says CTU Economist and Director of Policy Craig Renney. “National targets what it calls back office government bureaucracies. But the areas in scope of the cuts include courts, biosecurity, and cybersecurity. These aren’t back-office services”.
“Troublingly, the areas identified for cuts also include work on family violence and sexual violence. It includes serious fraud. It includes food safety. These are not areas that should be under the microscope for cuts. These should be areas where there is cross-party consensus that we need to invest more”.
National’s numbers come from Treasury data published at the last Budget. This has given the CTU the ability to identify what is within National’s savings programme. If we concentrate on the truly ‘non-front line’ the size of the cuts necessary to achieve National’s target rises nearly 5-fold – to 31% of spending. The reality is deeper and deeper cuts to public services, or no tax changes.
Craig Renney said “This analysis adds to the existing problems facing National’s tax plan. The cuts to public services will have to get even bigger if their overseas tax measures fail to bring in the $3.6bn necessary. National says that $2.3bn in tax cuts for landlords are necessary, but it hasn’t identified why possible cuts to front line services, such as search and rescue, are necessary”.
Craig Renney said “National should provide voters with clarity about how it will achieve such potentially deep cuts to public services. There are only a few weeks left until early voting opens, which only adds to the urgency. New Zealanders deserve to know how National will make its sums work, without cutting the essential services that are in their sights”.
Example areas within the scope of National’s savings programme:
Department
Service Description
Crown Law
The provision and supervision of a national Crown prosecution service and oversight of public prosecutions
DPMC
Supporting activities that address cyber security threats and improving cyber security resilience
DPMC
Leadership and co-ordination of the government’s response to the sequence of 2023 extreme weather events that impacted the North Island.
Minister for the Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence
A whole-of-government approach to prevent, address and eliminate family violence and sexual violence, as well as related services and support to Ministers.
Serious Fraud Office
Preventing, detecting, investigating and prosecuting serious financial crimes by the Serious Fraud Office.
Customs
The provision of services relating to goods crossing borders, including trade compliance, and the protection of New Zealand through interventions, investigations and enforcement.
Ministry of Primary Industries
Biosecurity monitoring and clearance programmes that manage the biosecurity risk associated with international trade and travel.
Ministry of Primary Industries
Scientific inputs and development and implementation of food related standards (including as appropriate international and joint Australia/New Zealand standards) and standards related to inputs into food production, imports, exports, new and emerging issues and the domestic market.
Ministry of Transport
The coordination of search and rescue activities as authorised by section 9(1) of Land Transport Management Act 2003.
Inland Revenue
Inland Revenue undertaking investigation, audit and litigation activities
Ministry of Justice
Providing services that support the work of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court
Ministry of Social Development
The processing and administrative aspects of payment of Veterans’ Pensions and related allowances
Department of Internal Affairs
Providing effective management of New Zealand’s records of identity, authenticating official documents, and coordinating the congratulatory message service.
The NZCTU has launched a fundraiser for those wanting to contribute to their election campaign. Since launching their campaign on Monday, the NZCTU has been inundated with support from members of the public who are concerned by what’s at stake this election.
“We’ve heard the requests from many corners asking for a way to contribute to the campaign to ensure as many people see it as possible” said President Richard Wagstaff. “We’ve been delighted by the positive reception to the ad – someone even framed the Herald cover page, they liked it so much!”
“We’ve got real momentum here and we want to keep it going. We’re grateful to everyone who is helping out with donations and sharing posts online.”
“We know Christopher Luxon is out of touch and too much risk for New Zealand in a cost-of-living crisis, clearly a lot of New Zealanders agree with us.”
A teenage worker needed three fingers partly amputated when his summer holiday job went horribly wrong in a workplace incident with a leading stone fruit producer in Central Otago.
Matthew Nevill, who was 19 at the time, was trying to fix a chain on a conveyor belt at Clyde Orchards in February 2021, when his hands were drawn into the machine. The victim had two fingers fractured on his left hand, and required surgery to partly amputate three fingers on his right hand.
In a reserved decision of the Alexandra District Court, Clyde Orchards (1990) Limited has now been sentenced for its health and safety failures related to the incident.
A WorkSafe investigation found poor safeguarding of the machinery and an inadequate risk assessment contributed to the victim’s injuries. There were also no lockouts to safely isolate and de-energise the parts of machinery that could cause harm to workers. The conveyor involved has now been decommissioned.
“The injuries in this case were significant and affected the independence of Mr Nevill, who was on his fifth consecutive summer working for Clyde Orchards. Although he was the unfortunate victim, it could have been anyone on staff given the risks that were present,” says WorkSafe’s area investigation manager, Steve Kelly.
“Seasonal workers are just as entitled to health and safety protection as those who work year-round in a business. The shortcomings in this case are simply not good enough, when we know seasonal workers are at greater risk of workplace harm.
“Seasonal work and tasks like harvest can put a huge amount of pressure on everyone involved, so managing the risks is essential. The lives, health and wellbeing of workers must be your number one priority. We will continue to hold manufacturers to account for failing in their health and safety responsibilities,” says Steve Kelly.
Clyde Orchards (1990) Limited was sentenced in a reserved decision from the Alexandra District Court on 1 September 2023
A fine of $225,000 was imposed. Reparations of $62,645 were ordered, but $25,000 of this was paid prior to sentencing
Clyde Orchards was charged under sections 36(1)(a), 48(2)(c), of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015
Being a PCBU having a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers who work for the PCBU, while the workers are at work in the business or undertaking, namely work involved in the packhouse operation, did fail to comply with that duty, and that failure exposed workers to risk of serious injury.
The maximum penalty is a fine not exceeding $1.5 million.
