Six unis to stop work and talk action.

Aug. 13, 2024

Hau Taki Haere | Tertiary Update Vol 28, No 14

Staff at six of Aotearoa’s eight universities will stop work for two hours at the end of August to discuss progress with collective agreement negotiations.

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union, along with other unions at some universities, has tabled claims for a 6% pay increase and for wages and salaries for the lowest paid staff to be no lower than the Living Wage. Current employer offers for pay increases range from zero to 3%.

At the meetings, members are expected to decide next steps and choose whether or not to open strike ballots.

Kaiwhakahaere | Organiser Ben Schmidt says “things are coming to a head once again. TEU members are not going to accept low, or no pay offers, and higher paid staff have been telling us they are ready and willing to fight for their low paid colleagues.”

“It’s not acceptable for anyone in the university sector to be paid below the Living Wage. The very least we expect of all public institutions is that they pay all employees enough to live on, and we will continue to stand up for that principle.”

The Paid Union Meetings will take place at University of Auckland, Massey University, Victoria University, University of Canterbury, Lincoln University and Otago University in the week of 25 August. AUT is not negotiating this year, while Waikato is currently beginning a fresh set of negotiations following their recent settlement.

Six unis to stop work and talk action.

Hau Taki Haere | Tertiary Update Vol 28, No 14

Also in this update:

Other Stories: