The Government says it is “extremely disappointed” the secondary school teachers’ union (PPTA) has “chosen to walk out of classrooms” after six days of wage bargaining.
The Union today announced secondary teachers across the country will hold a one day strike next Wednesday, in response to the Government’s offer for settlement of their collective agreement negotiations.
Public Service Minister, Judith Collins and Education Minister, Erica Stanford say the union’s actions “are disproportionate, particularly given that a fair and reasonable offer has been made”.
“The PPTA had barely sat down at the bargaining table before taking this drastic action,” Ms Collins says.
“Bargaining requires genuine engagement and trade-offs from all parties. Instead of providing feedback or engaging constructively, the PPTA has chosen disruption.”
“This action is unduly disruptive to student learning, especially those preparing for important assessments and exams. It also places significant pressure on parents and caregivers, who must make alternative arrangements when their children are unable to attend school,” Ms Stanford says.
She said the Government fully recognised the vital role teachers play in shaping the academic and personal development of the nation’s young people.
“They are a significant and valued workforce, and we are committed to supporting them.”
A secondary school teacher with 10 years of experience can currently earn up to $147,000, including allowances. The average salary for secondary teachers is now $100,000, up from $93,000 three years ago.
The offer made to secondary teachers reflects the current fiscal constraints and the substantial increases teachers have received over the past three years – an average increase of 14.5%. The current offer includes a 3% increase over three years, in addition to annual pay progression of between 4% and 7.5%.
“Rather than continuing constructive dialogue, the PPTA has chosen a path that disrupts students, families, and schools,” the Ministers say.
“We urge the PPTA to return to the bargaining table with a commitment to constructive dialogue and a realistic settlement – one that supports teachers, students, and the integrity of our public education system.”
PPTA Te Wehengarua members have also overwhelmingly endorsed rostering students home – not teaching specific year levels on specific days – in the week beginning 15 September, if there is insufficient progress in negotiations.
“The decision to take strike action is not taken lightly but was endorsed overwhelmingly by PPTA members in a recent ballot. We would much prefer to have received a satisfactory offer from the Government which addressed the significant challenges we are facing,” says Chris Abercrombie, president of PPTA Te Wehengarua.
“The Government’s offer of a 1% pay increase is the lowest in a generation and comes at the same time as teachers face the biggest changes to secondary education in a generation,” says Chris Abercrombie, president of PPTA Te Wehengarua.
“In a time of relentless and momentous change to secondary education we need to be able to attract graduates and others to the profession and keep highly skilled and experienced teachers in the classroom.
“Being able to retain experienced teachers is crucial for successful implementation of the governments proposed NCEA reforms.
“We are also witnessing increasing numbers of young people struggling with more complex needs such as mental health, emotional and societal issues, that are not being met. Yet our claim for more pastoral care time and funding was completely ignored in the Government’s offer.”
He said the Government’s offer failed to address all of PPTA’s other claims, such as the need for greater recognition of curriculum leaders, the need for more subject specialist advisers, and the need for teacher-led professional learning and development funding.
“All of these are imperative for the success of the changes the Government wants to make to secondary education.”
“In these tough economic times, no-one wants to give up a day’s pay. The fact that teachers are willing to do this shows how deeply we care about what is at stake for public education.
“The Government needs to stop funnelling hundreds of millions of dollars into charter schools, for which clearly there is no appetite, and put it where it needs to be – in public education.”
Mr Abercrombie acknowledged teachers’ industrial action would be disruptive for many parents and caregivers.
“However, parents know what our work involves, they know we care about our students and the education they receive.  Every student needs specialist teachers in every subject and every student deserves to have their pastoral needs met. We ask parents to stand with us as we strive for a better deal for all students,” he said.
