NZEI Extends Support to PPTA as Pay Talks Stall

NZEI Extends Support to PPTA as Primary Teacher and Principal Pay Talks Stall

Members of the primary sector education union NZEI Te Riu Roa are extending their support to their PPTA colleagues during Wednesday’s one day strike action.

Secondary school teachers are striking over their failed pay talks.

NZEI has support staff members in secondary schools as well as teachers in area and middle schools which will be affected by the strike action. Those members have been asked to support their PPTA colleagues by not doing the work of striking teachers.

Next month primary principals and teachers will be attending paid union meetings around the country to decide the next steps in their stalled pay negotiations. The Ministry of Education has failed to make any substantive change to its pay offer and has made a number of counter claims which undermine conditions and teacher career paths.

NZEI President Frances Nelson says it also refuses to respond to NZEI claims which would recognise teacher skills and expertise.

“The Government acknowledges education is a key investment in a productive and successful future for all New Zealanders and has a vision of closing the pay gap with Australia. If it is truly committed to that it needs to recognise the value of teaching and learning and come to the table with a fair and reasonable pay offer and one which offers teachers and principals a secure career pathway,” she says.

“NZEI members have always indicated a willingness to negotiate and a willingness to find an outcome. It will now be up to them to decide what the next steps should be.”

Paid union meetings for primary teachers and principals will be held throughout the country from October 14-28.

ENDS

© Scoop Media