Today saw the commencement of the bargaining process for the new Intervention Services Collective Employment Agreement. CANZ was represented by Auckland delegate Brian Phillips and National Organiser Brian Davies, whilst Bronwyn Kingdom and consultant Tony Teesdale represented the Department of Corrections.

The first day was very much a “business as usual” affair, with representatives tabling issues and concerns on behalf of their respective parties. Whilst it is fair to say that there is clearly much common ground, there are several matters that will require significant discussion in an endeavour to identify a mutually beneficial outcome.

Having said that, the Department’s and CANZ’s respective positions are reasonably compatible and, accordingly, we remain confident the bargaining process will be relatively user-friendly and stress-free. By the end of the day, the majority of issues had been tabled and potential solutions to outstanding problems exchanged and briefly discussed.

We have agreed to reconvene in Wellington next Thursday and by that time our respective positions will hopefully be clearer and closer. If you have any issues, questions or concerns regarding the process and you are an authorised and affected CANZ member, please do not hesitate to contact either Brian Phillips (brian.phillips@corrections.govt.nz) or myself (beady1@xtra.co.nz) and we will get back to you.

Another bargaining update will be circulated at the close of play next Thursday.

Regards,

Brian Davies
National Organiser
CANZ