Compulsory collective contracts for primary teachers and principals
"The Education Minister has dictated a new era of compulsory collective contracts for primary school teacher, primary
principals and early childhood workers," National's Industrial Relations spokesperson Max Bradford said today.
Mr Bradford was commenting on a letter sent by Mr Mallard to the Northern Auckland Kindergarten Association.
"The Minister responsible for the ERB Margaret Wilson was at a loss in Parliament today to explain Mr Mallard's dictate
about collective contracts because it isn't in the legislation.
"Trevor Mallard must withdraw his letter which affects the employment contracts of members of the primary teachers'
union the NZEI and collective agreements.
"According to the Minister of Education if you belong to the NZEI you have to be on a collective agreement.
"That's offensive to those who chose to belong to the NZEI for professional purposes but who are on individual
contracts. It is my understanding that many school principals are in this boat.
"According to Mr Mallard under the Employment Relations Bill if you are a member of the NZEI you have to be on a
collective agreement. And if you don't want to be on a collective than you have to resign from the NZEI.
"There are huge uncertainties around the Employment Relations Bill and the Education Minister and Labour Minister have
today made it even worse."
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