Canterbury Branch monthly update, June 2007

In this update:

• Amalgamation discussion forum
• Workshop for General staff 11 and 12 June
• AUS submission on College of Science Plan
• Stopwork meetings: National bargaining 27 June
• College of Science Plan: AUS submission
• College of Arts: BA review
• Election of Health and Safety Reps
• KiwiSaver seminar 4 July
• Queen’s birthday

Amalgamation discussion forum

A new discussion forum is now available so that members can discuss their views with others: Click here for the Amalgamation Discussion Forum
Full details of the amalgamation proposal is available at: http://www.aus.ac.nz/Current/amalgamation/amalgamation.asp

Workshop for General Staff

“Creating Positive Workplace Cultures: The Union Role: How can we lift productivity in a way that reduces working hours, increases pay and builds employment security?”

The workshops will discuss ‘productivity’ in universities from a union perspective, and provides an opportunity for general staff to discuss and learn about productivity, addressing both the risks and benefits. Part of the productivity debate is to look at how we can work ‘smarter’ rather than work harder. The workshop introduces the ‘seven drivers’ of workplace productivity as a constructive and practical approach to identify ways to improve workplace culture. The course aims to:

• Increase understanding of productivity in the workplace and the potential benefits to workers
• Develop skills and strategies to engage with colleagues and employers about workplace culture, including any initiatives arising from the Universities Tripartite Forum
• Promote initiatives in workplaces that will make a difference for workers and management

Facilitator: Rebecca Matthews, Policy Analyst AUS
Time: Monday 11 June, 12 30 pm – 4pm
or Tuesday 12 June, 9 am – 12 30 pm
Venue: Coppertop

The number of participants is restricted to 25 per session. Expressions of interest should be sent to Carol Grant: canterbury.admin@aus.ac.nz The Vice-Chancellor has granted these workshops as paid meetings. Members should approach their managers to inform them they wish to attend.

Stopwork meetings: National bargaining Wednesday 27 June

A series of paid union meetings will be held in June at all eight New Zealand universities to allow union members to hear progress from both this year's bargaining round and the Universities Tripartite Forum.

Venue:
Wheki, Rm 302, 9 – 10am
Ngaio Marsh Theatre, 11 – 12pm
Ngaio Marsh Theatre, 1 – 2pm

College of Science Plan: AUS Submission

AUS has completed its submission on the College of Science Plan. You may read the full submission on the Branch blog site.

College of Arts BA review

We would like feedback from our members on how the consultation on the BA review is progressing. It is our perception that a number of staff have participated in Arts fora, AUS meetings (we have held 2 general meetings and 4 departmental meetings), thru departmental submissions, individual submissions, and Faculty meetings. AUS has also met with the Arts Governance group and will be meeting them prior to any final document being produced. We believe the interaction with the Governance group has been productive.
If you have an individual submission or would like to share a viewpoint with AUS, Aditya Malik is coordinating the AUS submission, please email him at:
aditya.malik@canterbury.ac.nz
Send your views on the BA review process to Jack Heinemann at jack.heinemann@canterbury.ac.nz

Health and Safety Representative: Nominations open 29th May and close 5pm, 8 June 2007.

This is an important role and we are encouraging all AUS members to be involved. You will:

• Represent your colleagues on health and safety issues
• Improve health and safety standards and practice
• Develop your skills and knowledge
• Make your workplace safer

The NZCTU and ACC provide training which initially involves two days on the role of the health and safety representative. All staff have now received a nomination form with instructions on how to participate. For further information on the role click on the Worksafe Reps website.

KiwiSaver

AUS is running a seminar for members on KiwiSaver and other superannuation issues on 4 July at 1pm. All members are welcome. If you would like online information the IRD have the following links: for employees; and employers

Employment Issue

Queen’s Birthday reminds me of the provision under the collective: G.3 Holidays falling during a period of leave or time off.
If you are on annual leave (sick leave or special leave) the paid public holiday falling during this leave period is additional to your annual leave.
But if you are on leave without pay you will not be entitled to payment for the public holiday that falls during the unpaid leave period – unless you have worked at any time during the fortnight ending on the day the holiday is observed.