Media Release
6 November 2009

Polytechnic strikes set to continue as exams loom

Strikes at polytechnics in Northland, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hamilton, Auckland and Porirua look set to continue for another week after employers failed to change their position after this week’s strikes.

Staff at six polytechnics resumed industrial action this week after their employers refused at mediation to withdraw claims to cut working conditions. Staff are seeking to retain their existing working conditions and leave entitlements as well as an improved pay offer. Employers are seeking to remove some of their academic staff’s working conditions and are currently offering a 2 percent pay increase over two years.

The six polytechnics involved in industrial action are NorthTec, UNITEC, WINTEC, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki, and Whitireia Polytechnic.

“These staff don’t want to be on strike,” said Tertiary Education Union co-advocate, Chan Dixon, “especially as exams get so close for their students. But if they lose their long standing working conditions now they may not be able to get them back. That’s why they have to stand up now. These are working conditions that allow them to be good teachers and to give the best education they can to students in their local communities.”

“These six polytechnics have got more students than ever and their staff are working harder than ever to do their jobs.”

ENDS