Source: University of Otago
Information for University of Otago staff
We have been informed today at 4pm that union members employed on our General Staff and Academic Staff collective agreements intend to stop work for a two-hour period from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday, 6 October.
The University recognises the right of our employees to lawfully strike and acknowledges that the current environment is a difficult time for our staff.
Our community is made up of staff members who come to work to do their absolute best every day, and we deeply value the contribution of all Otago staff to our institution.
In every employment negotiation we work to make a fair and reasonable offer to reward staff as best we can while maintaining our duty of fiscal responsibility.
We believe local bargaining discussions have not yet been exhausted. Our commitment to constructive bargaining in good faith remains and we are hopeful of finding a solution through the bargaining process. To this end, we have decided not to deduct the pay of our striking staff in this instance.
We have been open with staff about our current financial environment at Otago. We have also been transparent with the unions about our finances and our financial forecast.
In the meantime, we know that all of our staff will prioritise supporting our tauira while the strike action takes place.
The University’s approach to strike action
The University is committed to continuing to teach, research and to serve its communities. We will work to minimise any negative effects on students and staff as far as possible.
Information for staff who are striking
The intended strike action relates to the University of Otago’s General Staff Collective Agreement, and its Academic Staff Collective Agreement. Academic and professional staff who are employed under those agreements, and who are members of the TEU, PSA, or E Tū unions can strike.
Non-union staff, staff who are members of other unions, or staff who belong to those unions but are employed under a different employment agreement, cannot lawfully strike at this time.
The strike notices issued by the unions are given on behalf of all of their members covered by the bargaining. Therefore, the University will assume all union members covered by the notice will be on strike unless informed otherwise.
Choosing not to strike
We recognise that employees have the lawful right to strike, and no adverse view will be taken of this. However, for a variety of reasons there may be individuals who, although covered by the strike notice, do not actually participate in the strike.
Any staff who do not participate in the strike action will need to inform strike2022@otago.ac.nz of their intention not to strike and should also inform their HoD or line manager.
Payment for striking workers
There is no legal entitlement to employees to be paid while on strike. However, in this instance, the University will not deduct salary or wages.
Please note that managers cannot persuade their staff not to go on strike. Aside from the wage or salary deduction, which are not being applied to Thursday’s action, there can be no other consequences for staff. Striking staff cannot be required to make up lost time.
Non-striking staff
Non-striking staff can be requested to do the work of staff on strike but have the right to refuse to do so. New staff cannot be employed to do the work of striking staff.
Request for teaching staff
Where planned teaching will be cancelled or otherwise affected by the strike action, course co-ordinators are asked to let students know through their usual communications channels.
Further information or advice for staff
Union members should contact their union for further information or advice.
All staff requiring further information or advice, should contact their Divisional HR Manager or email strike2022@otago.ac.nz.
The University remains committed to bargaining constructively and in good faith with the unions and are hopeful that we will be able to find a constructive solution to address any issues through the bargaining process.
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Information for University of Otago students
As you may be aware, staff at all eight New Zealand universities are planning strike action.
The University of Otago was informed late this afternoon that union members employed on our General Staff and Academic Staff collective agreements intend to stop work for a two-hour period from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday, 6 October.
We are keenly aware that this will be of concern to many of you, particularly given the timing close to the end of lectures and with exams soon to begin.
We are working now on plans to minimise the disruption to you and to our community as much as possible.
At this stage, we don’t know what the impact will be. An email tomorrow will outline what central University services are affected. If your lectures, classes or tutorials are affected, you will be informed by your course co-ordinator through Blackboard, Moodle or email.
The University recognises the right of our employees to lawfully strike and acknowledges that the current environment is a difficult time for our staff.
Our commitment to constructive bargaining in good faith remains and we are hopeful of finding a solution through the bargaining process.
In the meantime, we will continue to teach, research and support you while the strike action takes place.
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