Collins Criticizes Unions as Strikes Disrupt Education and Health Services

Public Service Minister Chris Collins has publicly criticized unions for their ongoing strikes, which she claims are politically motivated and detrimental to New Zealand’s education and healthcare services. In an open letter addressed to the citizens of New Zealand, Collins expressed her regret for the disruptions affecting patients, students, and families but emphasized that the strikes appear to be part of a “coordinated attack” by unions.

Collins highlighted her concerns regarding the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA) and its agenda during recent negotiations. She pointed out that the top item on the PPTA’s proposed agenda for a meeting with Education Minister Erica Stanford was related to Palestine, rather than pressing educational issues. “Palestine. Not terms and conditions. Not student achievement. Not the new curriculum,” Collins stated. “That’s not what students or parents should expect.”

In response, PPTA president Chris Abercrombie clarified that while Palestine was at the top of the agenda, it was not prioritized in any specific order. The union had submitted four agenda items that included Palestine, changes to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA), AI marking, and the curriculum. Abercrombie noted that the meeting had been canceled and the PPTA was awaiting a new date.

Collins also addressed the over 6,000 New Zealanders who have had medical appointments and procedures postponed due to the strikes. “I know some of you are living in pain, and in fear of a possible diagnosis that will now be delayed,” she remarked. She described the industrial action as “unfair and unwarranted,” asserting that the government has a duty to manage the country’s finances, especially in tight economic conditions.

According to Collins, the government is facing numerous demands for increased funding across various sectors, including healthcare and social services, but is unable to meet all these requests due to limited revenue.

The executive director of the Salaried Medical Specialists Association, Sarah Dalton, expressed disappointment that Collins and the health minister misrepresented the state of negotiations. She criticized the government for offering salary increases below the Consumer Price Index (CPI), which does not address key issues related to recruitment and retention in healthcare, particularly in smaller hospitals. Dalton pointed out that the proposed five percent increase for senior doctors over 28 months translates to less than a two percent increase per year, which is below current inflation rates.

Dalton called for a reassessment of the government’s approach to bargaining, stating, “What we need is for politicians to listen to clinicians.”

The national secretary of the PSA Union, Fleur Fitzsimons, accused Collins of “playing politics” and urged the government to return to the bargaining table to resolve the dispute. Fitzsimons asserted that the minister’s comments had escalated tensions and that the government must take responsibility for the situation.

Abercrombie underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that there is a significant shortage of approximately 550 secondary teachers for the upcoming year, according to ministry figures. He emphasized the need for a supportive workforce to implement upcoming curriculum changes effectively.

As the situation unfolds, both Collins and union representatives continue to navigate a challenging landscape marked by strikes, negotiations, and the pressing need for resolution in the education and healthcare sectors.