Photo: RNZ
The public sector union is heading into mediation with the government to try to stop restrictions to flexible work practices.
Last year guidelines were sent out to public sector chief executives to [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/528779/watch-nicola-willis-demands-tightening-of-working-from-home-public-service-arrangements tighten up on flexible working arrangements}.
The government said working from home arrangements should only be by agreement, should not compromise performance, and departments and agencies must regularly report on the number and nature of agreements in place.
In December the PSA filed action with the Employment Relations Authority and mediation was beginning on Tuesday.
PSA national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons told Morning Report she wanted the government to step away from the idea, similar to Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton did during this year's Australian election.
"We are hoping that they will say like Peter Dutton did in Australia, we got this wrong, we are sorry."
Fitzsimons said the PSA hoped to settle the dispute in mediation.
She said flexible working conditions helped women access career opportunities, while maintaining family commitments as well.
She was optimistic the government would stop their plans on this issue.
"It's good for employers, people are more productive, they concentrate better, so it is common sense as well."
In a statement released this morning Fitzsimons said the changes would disproportionately affect women who make up 62 percent of the public service workforce.
