14 July 2005
Media Statement

Universities Tripartite Forum

Statement on outcome from meeting on 13 July 2005

The government, the New Zealand Vice Chancellors' Committee and the combined tertiary unions met yesterday to confirm the establishment of a Universities' Tripartite Forum. The forum will address salaries, staffing and other resourcing issues.

All parties welcomed the opportunity to engage in constructive discussion on the issues. The parties agree that the tripartite forum provides an opportunity for ongoing constructive dialogue.

It was agreed that an independent facilitator lead a small working group of representatives from NZVCC, Unions and government who will draft a work plan for the forum. The working group will be set up as soon as possible. The draft work plan will be circulated amongst the parties for agreement.

The full forum will meet again in September 2005 to consider the initial outcomes arising from the work plan and again in November to consider a further progress report and further action required.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of Education, Trevor Mallard, the New Zealand Vice Chancellors Committee (NZVCC), and representatives from the combined tertiary unions including the Association of University Staff (AUS), Association of Staff in Tertiary Education (ASTE) and the Public Service Association (PSA).

Howard Fancy, Secretary for Education, and Russell Marshall and Janice Shiner from the Tertiary Education Commission also attended on behalf of the government.

ENDS

© Scoop Media