The New Zealand government has announced job cuts in multiple agencies as part of its efforts to meet savings targets [66c3e50e]. The Ministry of Justice is proposing to cut more than 100 roles, about half of which are currently vacant. The job cuts in the ministry will affect various positions, including court staff, legal aid, and support services. The Ministry of Justice has begun a four-week consultation with staff about the proposed changes [66c3e50e].
In addition to the Ministry of Justice, Waka Kotahi, the transport agency, is proposing to cut 60 jobs from its transport services team, most of which are currently vacant. The consultation with the transport group will run until June 20 [66c3e50e].
Stats NZ, the national statistics agency, has confirmed that 84 people have accepted voluntary redundancy. The agency intends to make changes in its Collections team to modernize and streamline operations [66c3e50e].
The job cuts in the public sector are part of a wider trend of job losses in various government agencies. The Public Service Association has expressed concerns that these cuts will undermine the effective functioning of the justice system and slow down decision-making [66c3e50e].
Meanwhile, in the United States, the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) has clarified recent layoffs in its department for Justice, Peace, and Human Development (JPHD) [b8bc4c96]. The layoffs affected three out of six personnel designated for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) and four of the 17 other positions in the justice and peace secretariat. Two other administrative staffers were also laid off, and other vacant positions may go unfilled. The layoffs were made after consultation with various committees and subcommittees [b8bc4c96].
The cutbacks at the USCCB have sparked discussion and criticism, with some speculating that they are part of an ideological purge. The CCHD's ongoing work will continue with reduced funding and resources. The USCCB's Secretariat of Justice, Peace, and Human Development will be renamed the Secretariat of Justice and Peace [b8bc4c96].
The layoffs at the USCCB are linked to a budget crisis at the CCHD, which has spent through its capital reserve and pledged additional grant funding beyond its reserves. The CCHD's available cash has dwindled in recent years, and it ran a deficit in 2019 and experienced investment losses in 2022. The program's revenue declined in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. The issue of the CCHD's financial management and viability has been raised by bishops, with some calling for the program to be sunsetted. The former director of the CCHD resigned in April amid reports of financial issues [b8bc4c96].
CGL Companies (CGL), a leading justice consulting and facility maintenance firm with a global presence, has announced organizational changes to enhance its Justice Services operations in Miami [50753a48]. The changes include the introduction of a new Deputy Director of Justice Services position and two new service lines: Program Management and Design Services. J. Richard Davidson has been promoted to Deputy Director of Justice Services, Ed Whatley to Director of Program Management, and Tamara Clarke to Director of Design Services. CGL's Program Management approach ensures cost-effective justice facility projects, while Design Services provide a client-centered approach to ensure projects meet the highest standards [50753a48].