Concerns within libraries
Auckland Libraries staff have voiced ‘‘considerable concerns’’ about possible job losses in a proposed restructure, a public service union says.
On January 25 Auckland Libraries staff received documents from their employer Auckland Council containing proposed changes to their work conditions.
Auckland Council runs 55 libraries in the region employing 1009 people including part time and casual staff.
An Auckland Libraries spokesperson said the consultation closed on February 13 and was now being assessed.
‘‘We are expecting to communicate the final shape of the programme to staff late next month. Until that time, we are not in a position to say how many roles will be affected.
‘‘As per our agreement with the PSA (Public Service Association), we are offering staff the option to apply for voluntary redundancy.’’
PSA national secretary Glenn Barclay said it had received more than 400 submissions from members on the proposed changes.
The PSA is a democratic union that represents more than 62,000 members working in central and local government.
‘‘We have given this feedback to Auckland Council and they have yet to release their final decisions. Our members have voiced considerable concerns about the extent of the changes proposed and possible job losses,’’ Barclay said.
The PSA is unsure how many staff will be made redundant, he said.
‘‘The PSA is still working with the council and we hope they will be responsive to the issues our members have raised.’’
Barclay said the PSA had some concerns with how the restructure had been managed.
‘‘We will continue to advocate for our members’ interests and ensure the process is fair.’’
In October Auckland Libraries general manager Mirla Edmundson said that the library’s ‘‘Fit for the Future’’ programme was looking at ways to reallocate its resources. ‘‘One of our challenges is we need to respond to the changing ways our customers use it.’’
On January 27 Barclay said the PSA was also concerned about reduced funding and the prospect of job losses at the libraries.