Pay settlement for Massey staff

Wednesday, 19 March 2025

After nine months of negotiations and campaigning that included strike and protest actions, Tertiary Education Union members at Massey University have voted to ratify a new collective agreement.

The newly ratified agreement contained improved pay and conditions, including a 6% pay increase over two years, improved parental leave rights and more for union members covered by the collective agreement, a union statement said.

It covered a range of workers from gardeners and technicians to tutors and lecturers.

Those paid below the living wage of $27.80 would receive up to 20% or $9000 more annually with the introduction of a living wage allowance.

Union organiser Ben Schmidt said members fought long and hard to achieve this settlement, after initially receiving a 1.5% increase.

“The collective action and determination of TEU members has now delivered a pay settlement above CPI, significant change for our lowest paid members who keep the university running, and much more.

“This sends a clear message that workers taking action in union gets results.”

Jess O’Connell, a housekeeper and Massey union TEU delegate said the outcome for her and her housekeeping colleagues, most of whom were paid below the living wage before this settlement, wasgreat.

“The increase this settlement delivers will help us a lot. For many of us, it will mean not having to work second jobs in order to survive.”

Dr Ange Feekery, co-branch president said it had “been a hard-fought win for everyone that recognises the efforts of staff and especially our lowest paid colleagues”.