Workers from the impacted teams have been presented with the proposals at a number of meetings this week, and a consultation process is expected to follow.
A spokesman for Wellington Mayor Andrew Little would not comment on the proposed cuts, saying it was an operational matter.
A council spokesman said the cuts were a result of the recently passed Annual Plan, which identified savings of $31.7 million.
“Wellington City Council is consulting with staff on proposed organisational changes to give effect to budget reductions in several areas,” the spokesman said.
“It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics of employment consultation processes while they are underway.
“Our focus is on ensuring council kaimahi [staff] are supported, heard and their feedback reflected in any final change decisions.
“At the appropriate time, the public will be informed of the change outcomes.”
The PSA has been supporting staff, with a spokesman for the union saying it was urging the council to rethink the proposal.
“The PSA is standing by and supporting all those impacted by the proposal.
“The last thing Wellington needs right now is more job losses, on top of the cuts that have already hit this city hard.
“These are people with skills, with experience, and with families to support. They deserve better, particularly at a time when the job market is tight,” the spokesman said.
“This also doesn’t make much sense with amalgamation of councils on the cards – this is precisely the wrong time to be doing a restructure like this.”
Ethan Manera is a Wellington-based journalist covering Wellington issues, local politics and business in the capital. He can be emailed at ethan.manera@nzme.co.nz.