row still threat to ITee

Union says unresolved \ II

disputecould disrupt
courses next montfl Northern Advocate \
Friday, January 15, 2010
5
by ImranAIi

Classes for NorthTec students are

in jeopardy as a protracted dis­
pute between tutors and manage­
ment over pay and working
conditions remain unresolved.
With most courses scheduled to
start on February 15, the Tertiary
Education Union has warned man­
agement that classes could be can­
celled if an agreement is not
reached soon.
The union's 132 members work­
ing at the polytechnic have been
offered a 1 per cent pay rise with
conditions that would require
them to spend 10 per cent more
time in classrooms and give up
some leave allowances.
President of the Northern
branch of the Tertiary Education
Union Eric Stone said his mem­
bers' latest offer was a zero per
cent pay rise and a rollover of all
existing conditions.
But management rejected it
and had been steadfast in trying to
lower employment conditions, he
said.
Both sides had been negotiating
since March 2009 when the tutors'
contracts expired.
"Our offer was pretty generous STRIFE GOES ON: More industrial action, like this carried out in September by NorthTec tutors, could greet students at the polytechnic when they return to classes
because CPI has gone up, there's a in February. PICTURE I JOHN STONE.
recession but it's difficult to deal
with employers who are mean­ NorthTec acting chief executive chief executives and senior mana­ settlement not be achieved in the dragging on since September and
spirited and it's no wonder people Paul Binney said the polytechnic gers of other polytechnics that immediate future," he said. has already caused disruption to
are frustrated and angry." continued to work hard to achieve were signatories to the agreement "NorthTec will be doing all it can some classes at Northtec.
Mr Stone said the union even a settlement of the multi-employer to consider options. to minimise any impact of indus­ Tertiary Education Union
suggested ways to deal with the collective agreement. "We have had no indication of trial action on students should it members at NorthTec and five
problem but said management He and his human resources what, if any, industrial action will take place." other polytechnics have voted to
wasn't interested. director would soon meet with be taken by the union should The industrial dispute has been take industrial action.
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