NZ University and Polytechnic Staff Vote to Strike Over Pay and Job Security

Thousands of university and polytechnic staff in New Zealand have voted to strike in October, citing insecure work and insulting pay offers. The Tertiary Education Union (TEU) represents around 9,500 staff members who will participate in the strike.

The TEU's national secretary, Amy Ross, said that academic work is often perceived as a comfortable and well-paid profession, but this is not the reality for many staff members. She pointed out that half of all tertiary staff are not permanent employees.

Ross stated that employers have been offering pay rises below inflation, with some polytechnic bargaining ongoing since February. Many employers have refused to discuss pay or participate in a multi-employer collective agreement.

The strike will involve withholding of student grades or new enrolments and may include half-day or full-day strikes. The TEU is urging all political parties to commit to improving tertiary sector funding, which is below the OECD average.