The Ministry for Social Development is going ahead with security guard reductions at a number of centres.
The Public Service Association said MSD is proceeding with the changes, which will see guards reduced from three to two at 20 sites.
Two offices - in Flaxmere and Kamo - have been removed from the reduction list.
"It beggar’s belief that MSD can so wilfully ignore the genuine concerns of workers who said loud and clear the move threatens their health and safety," Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said.
The cuts come 12 years after the fatal Work and Income shootings in Ashburton.
"The tragedy at Ashburton is never far from workers' minds. We warned in August it was a case of not if, but when another violent incident happens. Nothing MSD has done since changes that," Fitzsimons said.
Twenty roles were disestablished earlier this year.
Deputy chief executive Melissa Gill said safety was a priority and all sites will still have "multiple guards all the hours they are open".
"We’ve invested $80m over the last 10 years in a major upgrade of all our sites to make them safer and more secure."
The reductions were being made because "it is safe to do so". The earlier reductions had gone smoothly, Gill said.
"We've been talking to the PSA over a long period of time about these changes and they're very much aware of the work that has gone on to make our frontline sites safer," she said.
"We are happy to talk through these changes with them."
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including National's attack ad backfires, and a terrifying collision at sea (Source: Breakfast)
SHARE ME