Union says state workers not overpaid

The union representing public servants is taking issue with a study that found public servants earn more than private sector workers. The study by Waikato University's Management School found that the average pay differential between the public and private sectors is between 17 percent and 21 percent. Professor John Gibson said public sector unions should not be pushing for pay increases before the election because they are already being paid more. "That alleged gap flies in the face of the extensive market surveys carried out by employers in the public sector," said Public Service Association national secretary Richard Wagstaff. In 2001 market surveys conducted by AgResearch found its science staff were paid an average of 20.4 percent below scientists with the same qualifications, knowledge and experience who work in... [read full story]