University staff bargain for secure jobs and pay increases

Wednesday, 13 May 2026

A Massey University support worker says “it’s beyond belief” some staff are still being paid less than the living wage despite their role being critical to the institutions they work for.

University staff at six of New Zealand’s eight universities had initiated collective bargaining, and among them was Māori student support kaimahi (staff member) Te Awatea Ward.

They were asking for secure jobs and pay increases they said would allow people’s standard of living to improve.

Ward said the insecurity experienced by some staff, who were not on permanent agreements for example, was shocking.

'It’s beyond belief that we have people paid less than a living wage, people who are critical to keeping our universities going, being hired on fixed-term agreements or casually.

“We want to uplift the mana of our people, so they’re able to do things that people who have job security can do like get a mortgage and support their families.

'Vice-chancellors must choose to value the staff.'

The Tertiary Education Union said members at universities including Waikato, Massey, Victoria, Canterbury and Otago had started their action, while staff at The University of Auckland would be initiating their bargaining in July.

Waikato University librarian Dadon Rowell said union members were calling for investment in the people that trained and supported students.

'We’re asking for pay increases that do not get eaten up by the surging cost of living that everyone’s struggling with right now.'

Rowell said too many members were on casual and fixed-term agreements, with many of these staff members performing critical roles across the universities.

'We’ve got hundreds of members on short-term agreements across the country re-employed year after year that are a core part of our workforce.

“Our collective agreement negotiations are the way we can make real improvements in the lives of our most vulnerable staff. If the role is ongoing, it should be permanent.'

Ward said student demand for places was high across most universities, and the Government had earlier indicated it would not fund institutions for greater than forecast student numbers.

'The Government has chosen to underfund student numbers – this affects all staff who support and teach students in every campus.

“It makes sense to properly invest in well-trained doctors, teachers and civil engineers. It makes sense to invest in quality public tertiary education because a thriving university sits at the heart of a thriving, democratic society.'

The latest action followed a settlement reached in March 2025 when union members voted to ratify a new collective agreement, a two-year deal comprising a 6% pay increase.

This was after nine months of bargaining that included strike action and protests.