Union fears CTU plan a ‘power grab’

The Council of Trade Unions has put a proposal before the Government that some fear could seek to delegitimise non-affiliated unions, including those of police, prison guards and junior doctors.

The agreement has sparked fears of a CTU ‘‘power grab’’, under the guise of a proposal to strengthen the CTU’s collective bargaining mandate and introduce what’s known as a High Performance High Engagement framework to the public sector.

A copy of the proposal, obtained by Stuff, shows an apparent move to lock out non-affiliated unions. Under the scope of the agreement, the CTU has included a warning against the Government supporting other unions.

‘‘This agreement is focused on engagement between employers and legitimate unions, which means respecting genuine independent unions affiliated to the NZCTU,’’ the proposal states.

‘‘Encouraging and supporting the establishment and operations of unions which are not genuine and independent will be understood as counter to the spirit and operation of this agreement.’’

The CTU had 27 affiliates, including E tu¯ and the Public Service Association. But major unions not affiliated with the CTU included the Police Association, the Resident Doctors’ Association and the Corrections Association.

Resident Doctors’ Association secretary Deborah Powell said the CTU had every right to advocate on behalf of its members, but she found the proposal concerning.

‘‘It certainly seems like a bit of a power grab,’’ she said.

Even if the language wasn’t

"It certainly seems like a bit of a power grab."

Resident Doctors' Association secretary Deborah Powell

intended to delegitimise outside unions, the wording seemed ‘‘counterproductive’’.

Police Association president Chris Cahill said he hoped the wording was only intended to apply to the kinds of unions effectively set up by employers, but the language in the proposed agreement should be amended if it’s progressed.

‘‘We believe we are every bit as legitimate and genuine and our membership is legitimate. That wording is unhelpful and we would expect that to be reflected,’’ Cahill said.

Union sources say even affiliated members were concerned at what the language implied for other unions.

However, CTU president Richard Wagstaff laughed off suggestions of a power grab.

He said there was no intention to undermine the position of nonaffiliated unions with the Government.

‘‘We’re just trying to create exemplary employment relations practice and we think we should do more than the minimum of the law.’’

There was an awareness some unions were not independent of employers, which is what the wording in the agreement sought to target. But Wagstaff said the CTU would be happy to amend the language in any final agreement.

State Services Minister Chris Hipkins confirmed the proposal was under consideration.