Pay Rises For AgResearch Scientists

PSA MEDIA RELEASE July 12, 2007

Pay Rises For AgResearch Scientists And Engineers Good For The Economy

Scientists and engineers working at AgResearch are receiving pay rises of between three and seven per cent under a new collective employment agreement negotiated by their union, the PSA.

"These pay rises will help AgResearch recruit and retain top scientists which is good for science and good for our economy," says Richard Wagstaff, National Secretary of the PSA, which represents 460 AgResearch staff.

AgResearch is New Zealand's largest crown research institute. Its science staff work to lift the productivity of our pastoral farming sector, which produces more than 35% of New Zealand's exports, worth more than $10 billion a year. They also develop new biotechnologies for use in New Zealand and for export.

"The work these scientists and engineers do is crucial to our economy," says Richard Wagstaff. "Yet they're paid less than people, working in non-science industries in New Zealand, who have similar qualifications, knowledge and skills."

Pastoral farming produces more than a third of our exports and AgResearch has been described as the engine of the sector.

"So it's vital for the whole country that they're able to attract and retain top quality science staff,' says Richard Wagstaff. "That's why the union has been working with AgResearch to lift its pay rates to the level paid to equivalent professionals in non-science industries." In 2001, market surveys conducted by AgResearch, showed its science staff were paid, at a similar rate to other science institutes in New Zealand, but an average of 20.4% below non-science industries. That gap has been shrinking and has been cut to 14.6% by the latest pay increases.

"The PSA and AgResearch are committed to closing this pay gap and both parties are hopeful it will be largely gone in four to five years," says Richard Wagstaff.

The new AgResearch collective agreement also includes a fifth week of annual leave for all staff. This is in addition to the four weeks annual leave all New Zealand workers are entitled to since April 1 this year.

Pay rates for AgResearch support staff have also increased based on market surveys. There's a 4.2% increase in the remuneration expenditure for the support staff.

ENDS

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