Kia ora koutou katoa,

Ratification of a proposed collective agreement

As reported in our last update (9 April) we are only able to ballot members in workplaces where the employer has said, “Yes.” At that time there were still some 30 employers who had not participated in their ratification process affecting some 260 NZNO members. Since then we have made one-on-one contact and have reduced these employers down to nine.

There remain six employers who have said “No”, affecting some 80 NZNO members. NZNO will have “serious negotiations” with these employers in an endeavour to overcome their issues prior to our balloting process. We are directly contacting these members this week about this process.

Individual employer communication continues to be difficult during rahui and at this stage we still believe there remain too many workplaces and members that would need to be discounted from our member ballot.

Notwithstanding this, we cannot continue to delay your ratification process indefinitely so we will make every endeavour this week to reduce the number of employers as listed above and afford as many members as possible the opportunity to be part of the democratic process.

The ballot will therefore commence without any further delay on Monday 4 May 2020.

Full details of the employers’ final offer for a proposed collective agreement will again be detailed along with your ballot form.

COVID-19 Issues

As indicated in our last bulletin, there are clear processes that must be followed in relation to any proposed changes to hours/rosters etc. Further, if there is an evidenced 30 percent downturn in income your employer is able to access the Government wage subsidy.

Please contact NZNO on 0800 28 38 48 as soon as possible if there are any approaches made to yourself or your team in this regard, or with respect to the availability of appropriate PPE or other matters.

Take care and keep safe.

Chris Wilson and Mike Yeats
on behalf of your PHC MECA Negotiation Team