Action speaks louder than words.

4,000 Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union members across four universities walked off the job a week and a half ago, in the biggest single day of strike action since all eight universities did the same two years ago.

Lively rallies were held at Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University, Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | The University of Canterbury and Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki | Lincoln University where those present loudly demanded better from their employers.

Helen Rees, a Lecturer in the Department of Pest-Management and Conservation at Lincoln University attended rallies both at her own institution and at the University of Canterbury. She says both had good atmospheres. “It was empowering – we felt good doing something tangible to show our employers that we’re not happy.”

“Lincoln staff are feeling especially hard done by that we are paid significantly less than our colleagues at Canterbury doing similar work less than 20km away.”

“Our employer says they value us and that they are taking our issues seriously but action (or lack of it) speaks louder than words.”

“We want them to come to the table and make us a better offer.”