Discussion on ratification processes to continue.

A paper put forward by the Greater Auckland Region (GAR) on ratification processes used for employment agreement negotiations proposed more flexible processes be adopted.

The present system of requiring members to attend a one-hour meeting before voting for ratification was often impractical and undemocratic, the paper said. It recommended NZNO periodically reviewed, discussed and considered its rules regarding all aspects of industrial representation, especially as the negotiation of collective employment agreements became more complicated.

NZNO's standard ratification process is for voting on a proposed settlement to be held at meetings of members concerned, unless the nature of the workplace of those members makes the holding of meetings impractical or undemocratic. In the latter case, NZNO or the negotiating team may recommend that voting be by written ballot paper over several days, postal ballot, or a combination of meeting and postal and/or written paper ballot. However, in most cases, the standard process is used. The paper pointed to some inconsistencies in voting procedures, eg some members being allowed to vote outside the official meeting and others not being allowed.

A further paper for discussion, prepared by organising services manager Cee Payne-Harker, stated that NZNO needed to ensure the current rules were appropriate to deal with bargaining for collective agreements, where the bargaining covered many workplaces across the country. "For ratification of most collective agreements, groups of members are able to meet on site at the workplace or at venues dose to workplaces that allow them to participate in the vote. Most organisers hold a number of meetings at a range of times that allow members working different shifts to attend a meeting. Some members will be able to attend at work, others attend in their off-duty time. Making decisions at meetings should be seen as consistent with our organising model approach and supports the principle of collectivism. Members can discuss and debate issues, share views and increase each others' understanding of issues before voting."

Special votes, the paper said, was an agreed part of the ratification process for the DHB MECA negotiations in 2004 and was being proposed again this year. However, the parameters around when a special vote could be cast were clear and included being overseas, and in cases of bereavement or illness. The paper conceded the approach to proxy voting had been ad hoc and inconsistent in terms of where and when it could be used.

Speaking in support of the discussion paper, GAR chair Peggy Link said attending a one-hour meeting was often impractical and undemocratic. "We need to be able to use both processes--this will help us to be a member driven organisation. We should also look at using other technology like electronic bulletin boards. It is particularly hard for rural nurses to travel to meetings."

Thanking GAR for putting the paper forward, Payne-Harker stated her dear preference for using the standard voting process. "Ratification is a process: it's not just about voting. Holding meetings and hui where we share views and listen to others is a fundamental principle of unionism. Our standard ratification process does bring the most value to members. We need to hear the collective wisdom of the group. Most members should be able to come to a meeting twice a year. Every minute we spend together, as we are doing at this conference, is valuable, because it builds the organisation."

Discussion continued in regional groups, with many members reporting back they were unable to reach any consensus on the GAR document. Paula Barnett from Auckland stated that the challenge was to get people engaged in the issues. "We need to find out why members do not get to meetings," she said. Janet Black from Midlands said those who didn't attend meetings wouldn't be informed adequately. "However, we need to look at more flexible ways of voting, especially for rural nurses."

President Marion Guy drew the discussion to a close by thanking all those who had taken part and presented their ideas. "We will continue talking about this over the coming year," she said.