New Zealand (Commonwealth)_Secondary teachers across New Zealand have voted against the Ministry of Education’s latest pay offer and are gearing up for escalated industrial action starting next week. The decision comes after primary teachers settled their contract dispute earlier this week, but the union representing secondary teachers advised its members to reject the offer. In response, the Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) plans to intensify its efforts in seeking a more satisfactory agreement.
Ministry of Education’s proposal included three pay raises over a two-year period, accompanied by a $4500 payment. However, PPTA members expressed overwhelming discontent with the offer, believing it failed to adequately address the urgent needs of secondary education and the teaching profession. Consequently, the union’s national executive and negotiating teams were given a clear mandate to pursue a better offer on behalf of their members.
As a demonstration of their dissatisfaction, PPTA members have voted to escalate industrial action for the next three weeks, encompassing the remainder of Term 2. Starting next week, teachers will refrain from instructing two-year levels each day from Monday to Thursday, as well as abstain from attending meetings or responding to emails outside regular school hours. Furthermore, union members not involved in NCEA pilots will discontinue work related to NCEA changes, which includes engagement with the Ministry of Education and the NZ Qualifications Authority. On Wednesday, June 21, PPTA members will also refrain from participating in any extracurricular activities at their respective schools.
PPTA Te Wehengarua acting president Chris Abercrombie expressed optimism that the settlement of the primary teachers’ collective agreement would enable the government to shift its focus towards the needs of secondary education. He expressed a desire for a solution to the current impasse and a resolution that would address the concerns raised by secondary teachers.
The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the rejection of their offer and has already arranged facilitated bargaining sessions for next week. However, the ministry expressed disappointment over the decision to proceed with industrial action, emphasizing that it hinders the progress toward reaching a settlement. The ministry maintains that its offer was carefully designed to balance the needs of attracting and retaining new teachers, providing fair compensation for experienced educators, and enhancing other working conditions.
As the impasse between secondary teachers and the Ministry of Education continues, the rejection of the latest pay offer has resulted in escalated industrial action. The PPTA is determined to secure a more favorable agreement that better addresses the pressing needs of secondary education and supports the teaching profession. Both parties are encouraged to engage in further negotiations to find a resolution that benefits all stakeholders involved, ensuring the provision of quality education for New Zealand’s secondary students.
