20 August 2008
New tertiary - education union another step closer
The formation of a new union in the tertiary-education sector has moved a step closer with the adoption of a set of
draft rules by representatives of the Association of University Staff (AUS) and Association of Staff in Tertiary
Education (ASTE).
The new union, the New Zealand Tertiary Education Union, to be formed through the amalgamation of AUS and ASTE, will be
the largest union operating in the tertiary-education sector and will represent the industrial and professional
interests of more than 11,500 academic and general staff.
Proposed rules for the new union were adopted at a one-day conference held in Wellington last Friday, following a
meeting the day before between the council and national executive of the two existing unions to advance a number of
operational matters arising from the amalgamation.
AUS national president, Associate Professor Maureen Montgomery, and ASTE national president, Tangi Tipene, said that the
successful adoption of proposed rules for the union reflected how well AUS and ASTE had worked together to create an
new, democratic union which would advance the industrial and professional interests of tertiary-education staff
throughout the country. "This is an historic occasion and makes the new organisation among the largest unions in the
country," they said. "This amalgamation will not only increase the influence of staff within the tertiary-education
sector through building industrial strength and advancing professional and education issues, but it will also ensure the
better use of resources." Both national presidents were pleased that member participation was positive and many felt the
unions had already amalgamated.
The New Zealand Tertiary Education Union will hold its inaugural conference in late November and become fully
operational on 1 January 2009.
ENDS