Recruitment letter sent to non-members in April

Dear ,

I am writing on behalf of the Association of University Staff (AUS) at a time when we are about to enter negotiations with your Employer.


The AUS has been running an effective national campaign aimed at restoring university salaries to internationally competitive levels. This campaign has led to a tripartite forum involving the AUS, government and the vice-chancellors. This process resulted in a direct government injection of $26 million into university salaries in addition to what the universities could afford from existing budgets. There is every reason to expect that this year will see further direct funding of salaries.

These developments require a critical mass of employees who belong to the union and are prepared to wage a campaign.

Union members received 7% (academic collective) and 5% (general collective) last year as a result of joining national bargaining and without taking industrial action. In a recent ballot national bargaining as a strategy was endorsed by 96% of members.

The AUS brings many measurable benefits to university staff – as individual members, in shaping policy at this university, and in improving the university sector as a whole.

For yourself, your colleagues, and the well being of the New Zealand university system, please join AUS today,

Sincerely,

Jack Heinemann
AUS Branch President