On 19th October, your negotiating team met with CIE for the purpose of progressing the current bargaining round. Time was spent constructively, with CIE providing informal verbal feedback to the original claim tabled by CANZ. One of the main issues raised was, of course, CIE’s desire to modify the current progression criteria via a new training package and this issue has been covered in an earlier update.

It is envisaged that CIE will be in a position to formalize their response in preparation for the next meeting, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 3rd November in Wellington. Although we didn’t agree with some of the responses supplied by CIE, they have clearly indicated that their position is negotiable. This is always an encouraging sign!

We are aware of concerns amongst some members in respect of the back-dating of any salary increase proposed as part of the settlement process. I can assure you that talks are proceeding in good faith and any mutually acceptable settlement will be back-dated to 1 July in accordance with the understanding developed between the parties at the commencement of the bargaining round.

Your representatives on 3 November will be Willie Cochrane, Vic Day and Brian Davies and a further update will be circulated at the conclusion of discussions on that day.

Regards,

Willie Cochrane
National President
CANZ