Conference supports striking polytech workers

Media Release
12 November 2009

Conference votes support for striking polytechnic workers

TEU’s first annual conference concluded this week unanimously voting support for its members in the six polytechnics currently in dispute with their employers.

Tertiary Education Union members at Whitireia Polytechnic, Waikato Institute of Technology, Western Institute of Technology, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, Unitec and NorthTec have been engaged in a long running course of industrial action, including several days of strike.

Conference members endorsed union members’ efforts to maintain their core conditions of work which contribute to providing quality education for New Zealanders, and to gain a salary increase to keep up with the cost of living.

Union members at the six polytechnics were on strike for between two and four days last week and are also participating in ongoing strikes this week.

TEU national industrial officer Irena Brorens says that lecturers and tutors are frustrated that employer intransigence means this dispute is dragging on so long.

“Members are seeking a fair pay increase and not to have their existing working conditions taken away from them. Really all they want is to get back to their students and help them as exams draw near. But their employers’ determination to cut conditions is stopping that from happening,” said Ms Brorens.

ENDS

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