University salaries increase after $26 million payout

Salaries have gone up at seven universities after new employment contracts were ratified in the wake of a $26 million government payout.

More than 98 per cent of staff voted in favour of the settlements, which took effect today at Auckland, Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury, Lincoln and Otago universities.

The new collective agreements will see academic salaries go up by 6 to 7.5 per cent, while general staff will get 4 to 5.5 per cent more. Some of the payrises will be back-dated as far back as May.

Spokeswoman for the combined university unions, Helen Kelly, said although the increases varied among universities and between academic and general staff, they were a positive step towards resolving long-term salary problems in the sector.

The unions would continue to engage with the government on issues of funding, salaries and university governance, Ms Kelly said.

- NZPA