Quid pro quo

As a proud public servant I work to maintain the services, rules and business of government that oil the otherwise unregulated cogs of private enterprise.

I am proud of what we bring to the community – consistent and fair treatment and a belief, and hope, that our work improves the lives of those with whom we share a (mostly) just society.

I am told by those who hold the purse that I should have a pay freeze for the next three years.

Yes, I am grateful I have had a job over Covid, and have maintained my income; yes, I recognise that as a nation we have had to use our credit and reserves to keep the lives of everyone as normal as possible, in a truly abnormal world; and yes, I understand that with government comes prudent fiscal responsibility and that, sometimes, this means restraint.

So, Mr Treasurer – you ask me to accept a wage that will not keep up with inflation (ie, accept a comparative income reduction).

I worked from home when you asked. I came into town and spent at the local cafes and shops when you asked. I arranged holidays to regional Aotearoa when you asked.

It is public servants who have manned the borders, run the MIQs, taught our tamariki from home, worked in Covid hospitals, and who are now assisting to undertake the most aspirational vaccine rollout in New Zealand’s history.

So yes, we will accept this pay freeze – because we believe you when we say we need to for the good of the country.

As a public servant my social contract is with both the people of Aotearoa and the elected government of the day. But with this social contract comes our expectations – we expect you to do the same. Let every Government politician say, ‘‘I too shall take a pay freeze for three years’’.

Let me see your Government say to the Remuneration Authority that no politicians will get a pay increase for the same term as any public servant. If you say that, we have a deal, Mr Treasurer. Richard Taylor, Karori [abridged]