Negotiations Still Essential

For immediate release 27/9/11

Negotiations Still Essential

CPIT’s priority is to minimise disruption to student learning caused by industrial action by Tertiary Education Union (TEU)-affiliated members and to reach agreement on the current collective employment agreement negotiations.

“CPIT believes that the current negotiations are essential in order to position this organisation to successfully respond to the skilling requirements of the Christchurch rebuild,” CPIT Chief Executive Kay Giles said.

“We acknowledge that this is very frustrating for students, particularly given the challenges they have faced throughout this year. We are doing everything we can to minimise the disruption where ever possible,” she said.

Some TEU-affiliated staff took industrial action from Friday afternoon. CPIT estimated that 130 to 140 of the 200 TEU-affiliated members at CPIT were on strike yesterday (Monday) and is collating information regarding numbers on strike today. Some classes were affected across the institute, with the trades campus most affected.

CPIT has responded to TEU expressing appreciation of the agreements that have been reached over the seven days total of negotiations to date, however the issue of discretionary leave buy-back (if required, with compensation of 2% per week per annum) remains unresolved. The institute is also offering a 6% pay rise over two years.

“The vision for CPIT is a well remunerated, highly skilled and highly productive workforce,” Giles said.

CPIT has indicated that it would like further discussions regarding the treatment of the existing condition of nine weeks leave TEU has yet to respond.

CPIT needs flexibility around staff leave to respond to industry and student needs. The institute has, however, indicated willingness to discuss exempting existing staff from these arrangements.

ENDS

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