Radio New Zealand Dispute Set To Continue

MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION

"The dispute at Radio NZ looks set to continue, after RNZ failed to front up at mediation today in an effort to resolve the outstanding issues" said PSA National Secretary Richard Wagstaff.

"I am disappointed that RNZ has taken this approach. How can you resolve differences if you cannot sit down and talk about them"

"The PSA has been trying for several days to get back to the negotiation table but RNZ keeps refusing. They are placing unreasonable conditions on PSA members as an excuse not to attend".

"We have made concrete proposals to deal with the hard issues and are seeking a meeting to discuss these but RNZ has just been prevaricating."

"First they said get a mediator and we did. Now they are saying, withdraw the possibility of strike action right through to the end of the week, and then we'll talk".

"The mediator has, after considerable reorganisation, set aside another two days (Wednesday and Thursday) this week, but RNZ has confirmed that they will not be attending on an unconditional basis even though the PSA will".

"The PSA has told RNZ that we will not discuss strike action with our members until we have had a chance to meet in mediation or negotiations. If we resolve the issues then further action will not be considered. However, if talks breakdown, then as always we must preserve the right to take whatever form of action the Employment Relations Act allows us. Thus far negotiations have taken place on this basis as is the norm in collective bargaining."

"Our commitment to resolving this issue is demonstrated by the PSA suspending weekly action last week."

"The spirit of good faith bargaining enables the parties to meet in a timely fashion to discuss the issues and new proposals. By refusing to meet RNZ is denying us this opportunity."

"RNZ delegates will be meeting tomorrow to consider where to from here" said Richard Wagstaff.

ENDS

© Scoop Media