Bargaining update and local news

Negotiations at Canterbury resumed on 31 August

Bargaining resumed yesterday at Canterbury; as yet there is no settlement. Discussions are continuing. The team will let members know when it has a proposal for them to consider.

Branch newsletter to highlight redundancy threats

AUS Members in the College of Arts and UC Opportunity, along with members from the wider staff, are currently organising around the proposed cuts to staff in the College of Arts, and the restructuring of Bridging Programmes and the English Language Centre in UC Opportunity. A report of developments will be in the Branch newsletter which will be distributed to members next week.

The Press ordered to pay $200 000 to former employees made redundant

A report in yesterday's Christchurch Star details the case and compensation paid to former workers who lost their jobs during a restructure. The Press wrote an editorial attacking MECA bargaining and gave fairly lacklustre reporting of industrial action at Canterbury. The case reported here is important in the light of the university's stance on consultation with AUS. Business New Zealand chief executive Phil O'Reilly is quoted saying:

The case is a reminder to employers of the importance of adhering to process, in complying with the terms of collective agreements and consulting with and giving due regard to proposals by unions.