‘Strenuous’ clerical pay negotiations expected

Press, 12 October 1985, Page 9

‘Strenuous’ clerical pay negotiations expected

Settlement of the general clerical award was unlikely in the three days of negotiations, said the Canterbury secretary of the Clerical Union, Mr Leon Morel, last evening. Negotiations on the award are due to start in Christchurch on Monday, and Mr Morel said he expected them to be strenuous. “The indication from many meetings with members over recent weeks is a strong expectation and desire for recognition of the value of office and general clerical workers." Mr Morel said a high priority had also been given

to an increase in the amount of sick leave, improved work stations, and correct seating and lighting. The national association had prepared a case which proved there had been an erosion in equal pay, he said. The average pay rate for a man in New Zealand was $350 a week while women, who were the majority of clerical workers, were paid $241 a week. Mr Morel said that a meeting of clerical workers would be held on Friday, October 18, and if the award was not settled that meeting would decide on member-

ship action. “Already many workplaces have indicated a willingness to take strong action in the event of award breakdown.” The general clerical award is regarded as a trendsetter for all other clerical .awards, which are due to be negotiated later. Mr Morel said he hoped that employers would adopt a realistic position at the talks which were the first real wage negotiations in three years, and “recognise that the 38 per cent wage rise granted by the Higher Salaries Commission must be recognised as relevant.”