It is with great disappointment that I write this update for you all. CIE have chosen not to live up to the terms of settlement and have actively and consciously decided not to pay you your pay increase and back pay this week.

The background.

We ratified an agreement on the agreed terms of settlement. This was very early in July. Some 2 months later CIE sent through a complete copy of the contract for signing. I didn’t think much of it and was going to wait until we meet in Wellington to give them the contract.

Unfortunately I was rude enough to read the document supplied. CIE had put in there a Variation that we have never taken to our members for ratification and we were under the belief that it didn’t exist. This is the variation that says the sheep, pig and cattle instructors work 50 hours a week for the 40 hour a week salary.

I raised this issue with CIE immediately and said it was no big deal as we had ratified the terms of settlement and this could be raised as a dispute and that we could work this issue out. After all CIE have been trumpeting that they are a changed bunch and that they will work constructively with us on issues.

I have had several phone calls with B Maughen asking him what CIE’s position was. On one such call he had a few others with him and I was clearly told that the backdated pay and the new rates had been entered into the SAP system and were going to be paid this Wednesday. But if I refused to accept the variation they would have to look at stopping this.

I outlined the CANZ position that we had ratified a document and that CIE were obligated to pay our members on that settlement letter. Both parties agreed to continue talking.

I have since rang B Maughen almost every day and he was trying to get more information on the matter. CIE have never responded to us in any way shape or form on there position but have decided to try and screw you all by not paying up this week.

The Current Situation

Today I have received some call from members stating that the new pay rates are not in the system and they want to know why.

Well it is quite simply because your employer is trying to leaver the fact that you are all expecting your money and are hoping that you will all say who cares about the 1 or 2 people that this affects.

These members have said that they will work the 50 hours if that is what is required. But rudely they are asking to be treated the same as everyone else in the developed world and be paid for that service. CIE see this as absolute nonsense and it seems are now going to hold you all to ransom to get these members to work an extra 25% more each week, than everyone one else for nothing.

The Solution.

This is simple CIE should just pay you all as per the terms of settlement and we can then discuss the dispute about the variation.

The Reality.

We have our lawyer sending CIE a letter telling them they we will be filling for compliance with the authority. CIE will fight this to the bitter end with very expensive lawyers that may or may not win this. Either way CIE have once again proven to be unable to be trusted and or taken at their word.

I know this comes as little surprise to you all but, CANZ have been trying to promote a better more productive working relationship between the parties. But it seems that CIE are stuck in the 90’s and the employment contract act mentality.

As a foot note to you all we are still trying to progress the matter of your pay when your employer refused to allow you back to work after your industrial action. Illegally locking you out for the rest of that day.

This is a yet another case where CIE will spend more money on lawyers defending a position that is morally and legally wrong, but they would rather take their chances with a judge than give there employees anything.

By the end of this it is my prediction that CIE will have spent more money on legal fees than it would have cost to just pay you the half day you are legally entitled too.

I will keep you all informed as things develop.

Beven Hanlon
National President