Presentation for PSAY Conference November 2013
PSAY is a network of PSA members aged 35 and under created to promote the interests of young PSA members. It’s about ensuring our younger members have a voice in the union and in their workplace.
Other networks Pasefika Women’s Eco Ethics Deaf & Disabled Health & Safety National Science Committee
There are over 10,000 members of the network
Goals and objectives OVERALL GOALS Increase youth participation and engagement in the PSA and the structures of the union and the workplace Support the sustainability of unions in New Zealand by helping to modernise the union movement OBJECTIVES Grow youth membership of the PSA Grow and increase participation in the PSAY network Build young leaders within the network, workplaces and our Union Inform and educate members about youth issues Influence policy, practice and public opinion on issues important to our young members Influence policy and practice of the PSA and other unions
PSAY structure Five elected representatives: National ConvenorAsher Goldman Upper North Island ConvenorTemira Rissetto Lower North Island ConvenorPeter Kim Upper South Island ConvenorJessi Abrams Lower South Island ConvenorErin Hodgson PSA employees: Youth Project OrganiserSusannah Bailey Youth Network OrganiserJoseph Bradford …and more
How we operate PSA staff coordinate Convenors lead some activities National convenor has a national focus Regional convenors have a regional focus Regional action groups
What do convenors do? Help develop and implement the annual plan Attend, develop and participate in PSAY events Help to coordinate activities in their region Contribute to PSAY communications Promote participation in the network Build relationships with other youth-oriented organisations
Convenor election process Two-year term Election at conference ballot
Member participation Regional action groups Conferences, workshops, local events Volunteer to lead/get involved in activities Take action to support campaigns Communicate through social media, We want to hear your ideas!
Regional action groups Decided at Conference 2012 Support work of regional convenors Share ideas Organise local events Budget Meetings Online communications Form your own group!
Issues raised by PSAY members Having a voice Respect, trust, lack of recognition Job security Professional development Unfair pay, pay systems and progression Recognising experience Debt and other financial pressures Young leaders Workload – work/life balance Paid parental leave Youth unemployment
Issues raised by PSAY members PSA communications Regional events Opportunities to get more involved PSA fee structure Member benefits
Activities over last year New convenors Network growth Regional action groups Regional activities Leadership training National conference Stand Up Conference Campaigns and submissions
Activities over last year Free student membership Monthly newsletters PSAY “look” and materials Social media growth Centenary celebrations Power Shift Leadership opportunities PSA reviews – development, PSA Plus, marketing
Ongoing work Regional action groups Workshops and training Leadership opportunities Annual conference Mentoring Campaigning Bargaining Student membership
Leadership Development Reps from PSAY and other PSA sectors Update of delegate education Year-long leadership development Mentoring Providing pathways for delegates to build skills needed to lead the union
Student membership
The Board: “Agree to extend free student membership for 2014.” We could propose a permanent rule change at Congress 2014
Student membership benefits Free phone advice Free magazines and regular newsletters Free networks, events and activities Discounted benefits
Do youth join unions?
PSA member age groups We have no age data for members
21.2% of PSA members we have age data for are aged 35 and under
% Age by Sector
Is PSA membership representative?
Public Service employee/member ages (Dec 2012)
The mean employee age in the DHB sector is 47.1 The mean PSA member age for the DHB sector is 47.3 Dec 2011
Are PSA structures representative?
Members vs Delegates No age data available for members (20%)
Representation on sector committees
Executive Board members are all aged 40+
Let’s stand up!
New Zealand Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi For a better working life