NZ Post has informed its call centre employees that their roles will be gradually transferred to Manila, Philippines, as a cost-cutting measure. While current employees will retain their positions, vacancies in New Zealand will remain unfilled, with those roles being transferred overseas instead.
“I find it disappointing that a government-owned business is looking to send jobs offshore, thus taking away from everyday New Zealanders trying to earn a living in a difficult economic climate,” Samatha Boe, NZ Post worker and E tū delegate, said.
For Boe, the New Zealand government should prioritise employing New Zealanders. While outsourcing might reduce operational expenses, it could lead to losses in tax revenue and increased costs for unemployment benefits.
“One of NZ Post’s values is ‘stronger together’—we’ should be keeping these values here in Aotearoa,” she added.
E tū Negotiation Specialist Joe Gallagher is concerned that the recent cost-cutting measures at NZ Post, such as outsourcing jobs, may be part of a broader strategy by the government to prepare the organisation for potential privatisation.
“We’re deeply concerned that the government is allowing NZ Post to make these kinds of changes in preparation to sell off this service to the highest bidder,” Gallagher said.
“The state-owned enterprise model has been appropriate for NZ Post, and we have worked very constructively with the company through some significant changes, always putting the interests of workers and the wider community who use the services first.”
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for NZ Post stated that the company has maintained a small presence in Manila since 2010. They are now planning to expand this team to better meet customer service demands, with an initial group of approximately 15 staff members set to be established in May.
“We remain committed to having a New Zealand-based customer service model with local support. This offshore site will complement, not replace, our Auckland and Christchurch teams,” the spokesperson added.