Thanks for your mahi essential workers! Here’s a pay-cut.

The Government has announced three more years of pay restriction for public servants, which is causing concern for graduating students. 

There are 32 Government Ministries and Departments in Aotearoa, and over 400,000 of us work for these institutions. Public servants are people who are employed by these institutions, such as nurses, teachers, and MIQ facility personnel. 

Public sector workers and students hoping for a job in these industries are taking issue with the pay freeze, with miscommunication from both the Government and the media blamed for a lot of the frustration. Most students that Massive spoke to, either didn’t know about the freeze or didn’t believe it applied to them. 

Massey Nursing student, Jas*, is worried about their future. “I’m so close to graduating but there’s still so much to do before I’m qualified.” Jas’ loan has racked up, and they wonder what this freeze will mean for nursing graduates. The cost of living is expected to rise, which is a real fear for young people, like Jas, who will soon be on that joyous job hunt we’re all so familiar with. 

Another student, hoping to go into teaching says “three years is just such a long time. It seems outrageous. C’mon Labour, we’re your fucking voting base.” 

Many workforces are already in or about to start talks with the Government about pay and work negotiations. New Zealand Council of Trade Unions is an organisation which supports over 320,000 union members. President Richard Wagstaff has said they “won’t be taking any kind of pay decrease”. His rationale is that the workers have worked hard this past year and deserve recognition via pay increase. “60 thousand is hardly well paid.” 

Massey students looking to work after graduating should certainly keep an eye on developments, as there is certain to be more yet to come. Remember to be kind to your essential workers <3