October 19 Saturday 2002
Black Caps claim breach of protocol; NZC deny charge

AUCKLAND: Charges of a breach of protocol have been made against New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Chief Executive Martin Snedden by the New Zealand Cricket Players' Association (NZCPA) resulting in a call for mediation in their pay dispute.

But Snedden refuted the claim during a radio interview on Friday. However, no formal response will be made by New Zealand Cricket. NZCPA spokesman Heath Mills said the response promised by them to the NZC wage offer last week was a reasoned one. However, he said, the call for mediation was the result of players' concerns that NZC breached the protocol under which the parties agreed to negotiate.

"Our response acknowledges that the settlement offer was a positive step towards resolution between the parties. It also acknowledges acceptance by the NZC bargaining team of a number of proposals made by the NZCPA during the negotiation process," Mills said. "The specific details of the response, together with all other information tabled by the NZCPA during the negotiation process, is regarded by NZCPA, the players and bargaining protocol agreed between the parties at the outset as being confidential between negotiation teams."

Mills said an assurance had been sought by NZC's bargaining team that they would not disclose any information tabled and regarded as confidential by the players and the NZCPA. "Sufficient acknowledgement" had not been received. "We have, therefore, in accordance with bargaining protocol, compelled mediation in an attempt to resolve this issue and progress negotiations in a professional and efficient manner," Mills said. 

He said it was difficult to negotiate in an environment where one party completely ignored agreed protocol and refused to show respect for the process. However, he said the NZCPA were still looking forward to progressing negotiations next week. Given we still have a lot to achieve we've proposed an extra day be set aside for bargaining next week. It is proposed that part of that time be allocated to mediation, as required," Mills said.

He said both the NZCPA and players were concerned at rumours the State Max competition scheduled for November 16-17 in Auckland could be cancelled. The NZCPA wrote to NZC on the matter. "The letter emphasised that, although players have taken industrial action concerning the bargaining process, they have undertaken to ensure a minimal effect on cricketing public and, subject to case by case consideration, the commercial partners of NZC.

"It should be remembered that statement of position relates only to month of October. No such contemplation has been given at this stage as to any industrial action for month of November. It has always been the NZCPA's intention to focus on concluding negotiations as soon as possible and in any event prior to the start of domestic season.

"Unfortunately for everyone involved, negotiations have been diverted and attempts are being made to draw them into the public domain. The NZCPA do not believe this is in best interests of cricket or the negotiation process and aside from matters we have been forced to address today, the NZCPA will continue with there (sic) position of not commenting publicly on the specific issues under negotiation," he said.

Mills said if any commercial partners approached NZC regarding arrangements for the Max tournament and State competitions then NZC must consult with NZCPA to explore options which might be available to avoid disruption both to any commercial arrangements and cricketing public of New Zealand.