Talks End Synovate NZ Lockout

In New Zealand, Synovate has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the union Unite which ends the lockout of workers. The company says the MOU establishes a working party which has six weeks from 14th April to reach a deal over a performance pay scheme for interviewing staff.

Statements on the Synovate and Unite web sites present very different versions of events, with Unite claiming that 'the dispute was resolved late last night at a mediation session' and that 'the company and union [agreed] to pay rises and improvements in conditions for union members'; while Synovate says 'Reports of pay rises are inaccurate. The outcome in terms of pay rates, and any other payments, is still to be agreed'.

Unite's version continues: 'Pay rises will amount to $1 an hour on top of paid rates, that currently start at $12.50. Union members who have shifts cancelled by the company will be paid for that shift if the employer does not give them at least twelve hours notice'.

The union is running the 'Calling for Change campaign' with the National Union of Workers in Australia, to improve wages and conditions in call centres. On its web site, Unite's General Secretary Matt McCarten states triumphantly: 'Thanks to all those who gave donations and supported union members during this lock out. Workers stood up for justice and won.'

Synovate's statement says the MOU guarantees that there will be no further strike action in the 6-week period, 'nor will there be any other industrial, picket or protest action against or targeting the company, its clients or associated individuals.' Yesterday Unite protestors picketed the Auckland and Wellington offices of Synovate clients, including the Ministry of Social Development and ASB Bank, and the research firm comments: 'Whilst we support legitimate staff protest, actions like these are in no one's interests, whether union or non-union.'

Synovate says the majority of its staff are behind the management - 'The 27 workers belonging to Unite represent a small percentage of the 150 call centre part-time staff employed by Synovate.' MD Ian Mills stresses that any claims that pay rises have been granted 'are premature and inaccurate', adding: We have simply agreed a framework within which to negotiate. We are convinced that this is the correct way to resolve this dispute.'

Web sites: www.synovate.com/factsaboutnzstrike and www.unite.org.nz/?q=node/607 .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.

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