Attention: Education and Industrial Reporters
16 August 2002
University of Otago staff say no to setting exams
University of Otago academic and general staff union members today voted to withhold exam questions until the employer
puts an improved pay offer on the table. A half-day strike on September 2 has also been called if progress in
negotiations has not been made.
Negotiations between the university and the combined union team, representing members of the Association of University
Staff (AUS), the Public Service Association (PSA), Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union (EPMU), NZ Building
Trades Union (NZBTU) and the Amalgamated Workers Union (AWUNZ) broke down on Wednesday after the employer refused to
increase the salary offer of 1.5%
More than 350 members attended meetings called to discuss the state of negotiations. Combined Unions spokesperson, Shef
Rogers, said union members were appalled that the employer offer remained below the rate of inflation, effectively
forcing staff to take a cut in income.
"We are disappointed that again the university employer has created a situation where members feel they are left with no
option other than taking action to achieve a reasonable settlement. Unfortunately, it seems this is the only thing the
employer will listen to. Otago union members embarked on a campaign of action earlier this year that included
withholding exam marks and working to rule. Last minute negotiations prevented the disruption of enrolment in February.
"We thought the administration had come to realise that staff salaries have to be a priority for the institution, but
nothing in these negotiations so far has indicated that. We are disappointed to be back in conflict so soon, and we hope
that the offer can be increased quickly," added Dr. Rogers.
"It is not our desire to cause difficulties for students. However, our employer has demonstrated it will only respond to
this type of action. We have informed the Students' Association, who understand our anger at the paltry salary offer. It
is our hope that students will let the Vice-Chancellor know that this is an unacceptable way to treat staff, who have
seen their salaries decline in real terms over the past decade while facing increased workloads as student numbers have
increased."
A stopwork meeting has been called for August 28, in the hope that the employer will have improved the offer by
then--otherwise further industrial action is likely.
Contact:
Shef Rogers 479 8892 (work) 4730-527 (after hours)
Mark Ryan 4747400 (work)