Introduction
This is my first conference as branch president. I have undergone a rapid transformation into a political animal. It is early days, but I am enjoying the challenge and the opportunity to meet fair minded people.
Membership
In 2007 our membership was 84. Last year we had 93 and at one stage we had 98 this year although one or resignations to go to other jobs has dropped this number. We only have about 50% density.
I acknowledge the work of Ian Grant in boosting the numbers with his personal visits and letters to prospective members. Ian also took my place at an induction meeting in July when I was swanning off in Turkey. Thanks Ian.
Ian Grant
Ian arrived at the EIT at about the same time as me in 2003. He very quickly stepped into the President role and has been there for the last 5 years. Ian’s quiet friendly manner has seen the growth of ASTE now TEU. He has been instrumental in creating a close working relationship with management which I intend to follow. Thanks for all your hard work Ian.
Representation and Negotiations
I would like to acknowledge the work of Russell Taylor who represented us at early negotiations until illness caused a hiatus and since July the astute work of Kris Smith. Russell is based in Palmerston North and Kris in Dunedin. They have worked very hard on our behalf. Negotiations took five full days this year. Thank you, Helen Stewart McKenzie, Chris Drown and Ian Grant for your hard work in this difficult year.
The negotiations this year have been an arduous affair, dragging on from April to mid September with much behind the scenes work. The influence of the government through the SSC has been a negative one with the EIT Chief Executive being reluctant to “stick his neck out” in case funding is withdrawn as punishment for over stepping the mark set by the SSC.
A very galling aspect of the current situation is: that when we looked like we were nearing agreement in June the tutors on Independent Employment Agreements were sent a letter offering them the same salary increase we had negotiated with no changes to conditions. We still have not received the increase.
While our (yet to be received) monetary recompense is small… 1.5% to salary and 1.7% lump sum we have not yielded any conditions. This is reasonably satisfactory in the current economic climate. At the time of writing this report the branch are being polled to seek ratification of the settlement.
Fortunately we have negotiated a 0.2 time allowance for the chairs role which is very helpful, although still not enough. I find it interesting that when consultation is required for say policy changes that they “consult” with TEU and not people on IEAs. Yet, mention to them that we might be recompensed differently and they run a mile. It seems to me that the IEAs get a free ride in more ways than one.
One good thing to come out of the last negotiation round is that the 23 people on mirror Collective agreements, because they had not signed to either the CA or an IEA, have all signed an IEA and therefore do not get the same privileges as on the CA.
Helen Stewart McKenzie is stepping down as Vice President and Malcolm MacKay was elected at the AGM. Helen has been a great source of advice to me and I have really appreciated her cool head in times of crisis. Malcolm has a long history of union activity with TIASA and I look forward to working with him.
The TEU head office has recognised the importance of the branch secretarial role and has agreed to fund a paid branch administration person. As a result of this initiative Colleen MacKay has agreed to act as an administrative support person.
I believe one unintended outcome of the EITs prevarications is that the members have become much more active. The unfairness of the situation angered many mild mannered people and they were genuinely ready to take industrial action. Fortunately this was not required, but we were within two hours of action when the CE signed the agreement. Talk about brinkmanship!
Workload Issues
“Increasing workloads are an issue with many academic staff, but few seem willing or able to address the matter. This year has seen the introduction of TEC’s new funding model. It seems to have created expectations of greater staff commitment to a new model of teaching that is impacting on members workloads. E learning preparation and delivery allowances are also a cause for concern in some areas.” (Ian Grant 2008)
If anything has changed from Ian’s comments last year they have gotten worse. All ITPs have been expected to “consult” with the SSC. This has been little more than meddling across the sector with efficiency being the catch cry. 825 tth has certainly become the goal not the maximum and the EIT is putting pressure on, for increased research outcomes that many members think are unrealistic. One refereed journal output per year is just not achievable with 200 tth.
I would like to talk to other ITPs and university branches to see what is happening in other areas.
I have been asked to participate in a workload policy review along with two other staff members who are both TEU. I suggested that they might like representation from the IEAs. This seemed to create difficulties for management.
The TEU discourages members from selling discretionary leave although it is reluctantly agreed to. However, it is the EIT that does not allow members to sell leave. I think this creates a problem at two levels. The first is, it creates a barrier for people who would like to join the union. The second is that the EIT is creating situations where the workload is such that that people cannot do it without using their leave. I would like members’ feedback on this issue.” (From the presidents’ report to the AGM in 2009.) I would like to canvas members opinions on this delicate matter at the conference.
Programme Sustainability Projects
The reports from these reviews have now been released and submissions by affected staff made. The review in the Grape and Wine school has made little practical difference to the day to day happenings. However, the review of the Agriculture programmes has resulted in the programme being taught by Taratahi. The outcome was announced on Friday the 25th of September. One member will be made redundant as a result of this.
Gordon Reid
TEU Branch President