The pay dispute between some Tauranga members of the Public Service Association union and the Ministry of Justice has escalated, with the ministry opting to dock pay for those participating in industrial action.
Some staff members at the Tauranga courthouse are expected to continue industrial action this week.

Ministry of Justice staff taking industrial action against the ministry on Cameron Road last week.

But PSA spokesperson Nick Hirst would not comment on the exact dates or times because he feared the ministry would find out.
Ministry of Justice spokesperson Phil Barclay says pay will be docked from employees who totally withdraw their labour and if those taking strike action are not available for work.
'Employees who do not attend work or make themselves available for work are not entitled to be paid unless the absence is for authorised purposes,” says Phil.
Nick says the Ministry is entitled to do this and was not surprised by the move.
In Tauranga, Phil says the impact of industrial action has been managed well.
'Courts have been able to finish their business the same day. This is generally what has occurred nationwide,” says Phil.
He reiterates the stand that the ministry cannot afford the PSA's claims, which would cost an estimated $100 million over three years.
'The ministry has made what it believes is a reasonable offer in the current circumstances, which the PSA has declined to put to its members,” says Phil.