Further development on proposed industrial action

1 December 2006

The Christchurch City Council has just been approached by the Southern Local Government Officers Union with an offer to resume mediation on its contract negotiations next week.

The Council’s General Manager Human Resources Philippa Jones says she was surprised by the Friday afternoon request given that the union has issued two notices of strike action between now and December 15.

“Unfortunately given our need to plan for these strikes and the unavailability next week of key senior personnel we are not in a position to meet in formal mediation,” Ms Jones says.

The Council today advised the union that it wishes to keep the channels of communication open. The Council also continues to be in close contact with mediator Walter Grills.

“We have asked that the union put forward any proposals to us which may avert strike action by email and the Council has given the union a commitment it will consider these and respond as quickly as possible,” Ms Jones says.

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