For immediate release
11 February 2000
AgriQuality New Zealand and Employees Sign Successful CEC Agreement
State-owned enterprise AgriQuality New Zealand and its employees' representative, the PSA, have epitomised the qualities
of good faith and partnership bargaining in successfully settling a collective employment contract.
After a three-month negotiation process, the contract was finalised by AgriQuality New Zealand and PSA representatives
late last month. It covers 400 of the 600 staff employed by AgriQuality.
AgriQuality New Zealand's CEO, John Morgan, said the contract result represents a significant step forward for the
company.
"Our employees acted in good faith and made considerable sacrifices to support management objectives which require
AgriQuality to operate competitively in a commercial environment."
Mr Morgan said he was proud of the commitment staff showed to the company's future.
"Management are extremely appreciative of the tremendous support shown by staff. The agreement represents a robust
partnership of staff and management working for a common goal to ensure the company's best possible future."
Agreement discussions were open as representatives from both parties worked through issues co-operatively. Both parties
wanted to ensure that the needs of vulnerable staff were maintained.
Under the agreement all staff share the same leave conditions regardless of their rank.
In addition to the core conditions contained in the contract, each of AgriQuality's business groups has an individual
schedule designed to cover their specific requirements.
The agreement is unique for a state-owned enterprise in that it is a collective contract. Many similar size businesses
would not favour collective contracts, preferring individual employment contracts. As long as key issues important to
the future success and growth of the company were successfully negotiated, AgriQuality management was less concerned
with the form of the contract, Mr Morgan said.
The contract builds on the positive bargaining partnership developed by the PSA and MAF Quality Management, the
government organisation that previously was AgriQuality New Zealand.
ENDS
For more information please contact:
Vivien Pullar ph 04-4999-111
On request, a photo is available of AgriQuality New Zealand's CEO, John Morgan and PSA representative, Ian Baldick,
signing the Collective Employment Contract agreement.