More than 1000 staff at Auckland University will strike for half a day next week, following a pay dispute with their employer.
Auckland University. Photo: RNZ
After more than seven months' negotiations, the Tertiary Education Union said the lack of progress left them with no choice but to strike.
The dispute is centred on flat pay rises, which the union favours, versus percentage pay rises, which the university prefers.
The union said its members wanted a 1.2 percent pay rise this year, followed by a $1200 increase next year, or $3500 for those at the bottom of the pay scale.
It said the university had offered a 1.2 percent increase, and discussions on a flat-rate increase after one year.
A spokesperson for the union, Enzo Giordani said there was still time to work out an agreement, if the university played ball.
"Our door's open, we've said to the employer if they want to talk to us before the strike, to see if it can be averted. That's entirely up to them.
"We think it would be wise for the employer to talk to us, to see if there can be a compromise, but if not, yep, strike on Thursday next week and we'll see what happens after that."
Staff will strike on Thursday if an agreement is not reached before then.