Settlements at Massey and Canterbury.

After nine months of negotiations and campaigning that included both strike and protest actions, Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union members at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa | Massey University have voted to ratify a new collective agreement.

Covering a range of workers from gardeners and technicians to tutors and lecturers, the newly ratified agreement delivers improved pay and conditions that include an approximate 6% pay increase over 2 years, improved parental leave rights, and more for union members covered by the collective agreement.

Those paid below the current Living Wage of $27.80 will receive up to 20% or $9,000 more in their pocket annually with the introduction of a ‘”Living Wage Allowance.”

Kaiwhakahaere | Organiser Ben Schmidt says members have fought long and hard to achieve this settlement. “Initially the Employer offered no more than 1.5%, a pay cut in real terms. The collective action and determination of TEU members has now delivered a pay settlement above CPI, significant change for our lowest paid members who keep the University running, and much more.”

“This sends a clear message that workers taking action in union gets results.”

Jess O’Connell, a Housekeeper and TEU delegate at Massey describes the outcome for her and her housekeeping colleagues, most of whom were paid below the Living Wage before this settlement, as “great! The increase this settlement delivers will help us a lot. For many of us, it will mean not having to work second jobs in order to survive.”

Dr Ange Feekery, Co-Branch President, says “it’s been a hard-fought win for everyone that recognises the efforts of staff and especially our lowest paid colleagues.”

TEU members at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | The University of Canterbury have also ratified a new collective agreement that includes increases totalling 5% over two years, automatic pay progression for maintenance staff who were previously without it, and an overhauled salary scale for medical practitioners. Members at Canterbury also successfully fought off an employer claim to remove retirement leave for new staff.