North Shore Times (New Zealand)
Libraries staff worry about jobs
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 in late March.
‘‘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 says it has 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 says.
The PSA is unsure how many staff will be made redundant, he says.
‘‘The PSA is still working with the council and we hope they will be responsive to the issues our members have raised.’’
The PSA has some concerns with how the restructure had been managed, he says.
‘‘We will continue to advocate for our members’ interests and ensure the process is fair.’’
In October, Auckland Libraries general manager Mirla Edmundson said the libraries were looking at ways to respond to the changing ways customers use libraries.
Barclay says the PSA was also concerned about reduced funding.