CANZ – PS NEGOTIATIONS START AGAIN

 

The CANZ Negotiating Team met with the Departments Representatives in Wellington on Thursday 27^th March to restart the negotiations following the rejection of the Departments previous offer by CANZ members.

 

The Unions Representatives identified the term and the money as the main stumbling blocks from the previous offer, but also identified the Departments response to the higher duties claim for SCO’s and PCO’s as unhelpful. The Unions Representatives also stated that the offer on recognised prior learning had been greeted with some cynicism by CANZ members following the Departments failure to deliver the programme following the 2006 negotiations.

 

The Union told the Departments Representatives that there had been a positive response to the Work Practices Project, and it would be unfortunate for both parties if that opportunity was lost.

 

The Union stated that it was making a serious attempt to resolve all issues at the negotiating table, and although it had received endorsement for possible future industrial action, it would exhaust all other avenues before considering the alternatives.

 

The Union indicated to the Departments Representatives that they need to give serious consideration to the Unions submissions.

 

FURTHER NEGOTIATION DATES AGREED

 

The parties have agreed to meet in Auckland on the 16^th April to continue the CANZ – PS Collective Agreement negotiations and to meet the following day to  continue with the ACRP Collective Agreement negotiations.

 

The Union has stated that it is available to meet with the Departments Representatives at any time in the interim.

 

PSA INVOLVEMENT

 

The CANZ Advocate received an approach from the PSA a day before the recommencement of negotiations requesting their attendance at the meeting CANZ declined on the basis of PSA media reports regarding industrial action following their rejection of the offer, and the PSA’s refusal to recognise CANZ as the “in house union” however the CANZ National Officers have offered to meet the PSA to discuss the matter.

 

Any progress with made with the Department will be reported immediately in a future Update.

 

On behalf of the Negotiating Team