Employment conditions for New Zealand university library staff : 1991-1998

Abstract

This essay undertakes a cross comparison of terms in the collective employment contracts at the seven New Zealand universities and identifies trends associated with the employment conditions of university library staff between 1991-1998. These trends will be placed in an historical and economic context to help understand the impact of the environment created by the Employment Contracts Act 1991. Specific contractual provisions for annual leave, long service leave, sick leave, study leave and hours of work are contrasted. Redundancy provisions were analysed. Penal rates were compared. Salary levels were calculated using an annualised figure. The results were compared to the findings of Harbridge and Crawford. Annualised increases in library salary levels are lower than increases in other groups. Many other employment conditions have altered. There are regional variations between campuses. Most changes have not been to the advantage of the employee. When compared to the wider community however, library staff conditions of employment are better than average. Job evaluation is identified as an area of future interest.