University staff given extra long lunch break

University of Otago general staff workers Dorothy Scott (left) and Pam Jemmett are among Public Service Association union members being given an extra hour for lunch today in recognition of their service and contribution on campus. Photo by Jane Dawber.

Employees from the various university departments will take an extra hour for their lunch today, as part of an initiative from the Public Service Association.

PSA organiser Keith McFadyen said general staff at the university undertake a variety of departmental support roles, such as providing services in libraries, mailrooms, and administration areas to career advice teams, IT support, and trades and ground maintenance work.

He acknowledged the extra hour's break was "a little bit controversial", but the initiative was evidence of a good relationship between the union and an employer.

The PSA is in the midst of negotiations with the university to address working conditions for its union members, he said.

"The many and varied functions general service staff provide help make this campus a very successful and enjoyable environment for students, academics and all university staff," he said.

The PSA has about 300 members in service roles at the university, but he estimated more than 1500 other support staff employees were involved with other unions on campus, Mr McFadyen said.

University of Otago human resources director Kevin Seales said the extra lunch hour was an initiative which would also apply to non-union staff.

"The university is pleased to support this tangible recognition of the excellent work that our general staff do," he said.