Staff at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will go on strike on Friday, dissatisfied with the progress of pay talks that have been going on for a year.
The super-ministry was formed out of several departments in 2012 with the aim of fostering a competitive and productive economy.
As workers prepare to strike, the ministry's own internal survey shows nearly a quarter of those who responded don't feel engaged with their work.
The Ministry's sought to find out whether staff felt their work made a difference.
Of the ministry's staff 2900, or 86 percent, participated. The survey found 62 percent felt ambivalent, 23 percent were disengaged, and only 16 percent felt engaged.
The Public Service Association represents more than 1100 workers there and wants a 2 percent rise across the board. The Ministry is offering 1 percent.
PSA national secretary Richard Wagstaff said the results of the ministry's were disturbing. "MBIE senior management should be extremely concerned about the scores because it reflects poorly on their approach to management and their style of management."
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