The Employment Court in Auckland has ruled in favour of the lawfulness of the lightning strike action that Public Service Association members have been taking in recent weeks.

Industrial action, including work-to-rule, is now in its seventh week, as the PSA seeks a fair pay agreement and an across-the-board pay system. 

PSA members walked off the job yesterday (Wednesday) for half a day at courts around the country.

“This action follows the Ministry's failure to win an interim injunction on rolling strikes at the Employment Court in Auckland on Monday. A strong decision was delivered supporting the right of workers to strike,” says the PSA’s national secretary Glenn Barclay.  

“The Ministry has a history of prolonging industrial bargaining at a mounting cost to the justice system and is under mounting pressure to make a time to return to the bargaining table.”   

A solidarity event was also held on the lawn outside Parliament yesterday. 

Lightning strikes have occurred in a number of centres over the past two weeks including district, high, family and Māori land courts as well as the Ministry of Justice’s call centres.

Carl Crafar, the Ministry of Justice’s Chief Operating Officer, says the ministry is open to negotiations at any time.

“The situation remains fluid and we are doing our best to manage the impact on our customers and our people.

“The Ministry remains open and committed to reaching a negotiated settlement and we’re ready to meet with the PSA at any time.”