22 October 2004

Unclear reasons for fishery officer strike action

The Ministry of Fisheries has received notice of strike action planned for 29 October from the National Union of Public Employees (NUPE), on behalf of its Fishery Officer members.

"NUPE have called a strike without clearly explaining why they are taking this action" said Dave Wood, National Manager Compliance, Ministry of Fisheries.

The Ministry has been in Collective Employment Agreement negotiations with NUPE since early 2003. Some matters of claim have been agreed and some have not.

Unrelated to the negotiations, the Ministry has recently consulted with staff on a proposal to realign the Ministry's Compliance group in order to focus available resources more effectively on the Ministry's strategic direction. "The Ministry is considering a realignment of Compliance services, but no decisions on any changes to staffing levels have been made." said Mr Wood.

"The Ministry is continuing to discuss CEA (Collective Employment Agreement) and realignment matters with NUPE and has not refused to go to mediation, as NUPE have suggested, " Mr Wood added. NUPE represents about 40% of the Ministry's compliance staff.

ENDS

© Scoop Media