Non-union salary offer angers staff

Auckland University staff will rally today in protest at what they say are management attempts to scuttle national collective bargaining.

The Association of University Staff claims vice-chancellor Stuart McCutcheon has offered non-union staff a 4.5 per cent salary increase on the eve of union negotiations.

Professor McCutcheon has also refused to enter national bargaining negotiations, saying he will negotiate only an Auckland University agreement, the association said.

National president Professor Nigel Haworth said the refusal to enter national bargaining undermined attempts to resolve underfunding of universities and the inadequate salary levels.

"It is a direct attack on the choice of that university's staff to belong to and bargain through a union, and is exceptionally poor employment practice. It is also a clear breach of good faith."

Professor Haworth said the vice-chancellor's action was more questionable because he had not indicated his intentions in bargaining discussions with union officials.

"For a state-sector employer, who is also chairman of the Vice-Chancellors Committee, this is an extraordinary way to respond to his responsibilities."

The protest rally is planned for outside the university registry from noon.

Union staff make up about 30 per cent of the University of Auckland's 3500-strong workforce.

Professor McCutcheon said the rally would have no impact on students.

The offer had been made to non-union staff because law changes last year meant union settlements could not be passed on to non-union staff after bargaining.

Professor McCutcheon dismissed claims of undermining multi-employer discussions.

"I've already told the association, with extensive reasons, that Auckland will not be part of a multi-employer collective - because all the universities are unique in a competitive environment - so there's nothing to undermine."