NZ: What is Partnership for Quality?

Partnership for Quality (PfQ) is the New Zealand Public Service Association's strategy for achieving industrial, political, economic and social progress. It has had huge impact throughout the organisation, and the country's public services. After many years of decline prior to implelenting the PfQ strategy, PSA is now the largest and fastest growing union in the country.

Aiming for a quality public sector through partnership
Survey after survey has shown that, as well as decent pay and working conditions, workers value job security, having a rewarding, worthwhile job with an employer who respects and trusts them, and being charged with the responsibility to do the job well.

The PSA is pleased to work in partnership with employers who share our commitment to satisfying and rewarding jobs for members as an essential part of building strong public services.

Where there is a Partnership for Quality agreement at the workplace, PSA members are directly involved in decision-making and share ownership of plans, issues, and problems with their employer.

Partnership and the government
A Partnership for Quality Agreement between the PSA and the Labour-led Government was signed in May 2000. This agreement formalised:

• A continuing commitment by the PSA and the government to investments in quality jobs and improvements in quality public services; and
• The acceptance by government employers of the PSA as a stakeholder with rights and interests in decisions affecting employees' work and employment.

In November 2003 a further agreement between the PSA and the government was signed, Broadening and Deepening Partnership for Quality. This agreement formalises a commitment by the government and the PSA to spreading PfQ to a greater number of departments and agencies and deepening the impact of PfQ at a wider range of levels of management.

Some examples of partnership in action

• Enhanced conditions negotiated for PSA members in recognition of our contribution through the partnership approach
• The public service employer-subsidised retirement savings scheme (we are working on seeing the scheme extended to the state sector)
• Funding increases to improve staff capacity and capability
• Regular meetings between the PSA, government and public service chief executives to discuss key strategic issues in the public service
• Information and consultation on new initiaives and policies.

PSA has put together an indespensible set of links to articles, reports and documents of interest to anybody studying models of partnership in the trade union movement. See: http://www.psa.org.nz/partnership.asp