Employment law changes will penalise education workers

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa says sweeping changes to employment laws which come into effect today (April 1) will penalise education workers and are inherently unfair.

Among other things, the changes mean all workers can be required to complete a 90-day trial period when they start a new job.

For thousands of low paid school support staff who work irregular hours or are on fixed-term contracts, the legislation further threatens their job security.

“These workers already face a lot of anxiety and stress wondering if their contracts are going to be renewed each term or each school year. Now, each time they start a new fixed-term contract they face the prospect of a probationary period with no right to appeal,” says NZEI National Secretary Paul Goulter.

“Alternatively if they work on short fixed-term contracts, they could end up perpetually on probation.”

The legislation will also impact on teacher staffing as well as career development.

“The 90 day trial period will be a big stumbling block for those teachers or principals seeking to move in order to gain promotion. It could have a big effect on teacher recruitment particularly in early childhood centres and those hard-to-staff and remote schools.”

NZEI believes the legislative changes compromise the rights of all New Zealanders and will only serve to make life tougher.

ENDS

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