20 November 2001 Media Statement

Teacher negotiations back on

Education Minister Trevor Mallard said he had been informed that negotiations between the Ministry of Education and the PPTA were to start again this morning.

Trevor Mallard said the PPTA had said they were in a position to return to the negotiating table to try and settle the collective agreement for secondary school teachers.

“Government negotiators have always been available and I am delighted that the PPTA has decided it is timely to resume talks,” Trevor Mallard said.

“As a sign of good faith, I have accepted the government negotiators’ decision to start formal negotiations notwithstanding the industrial action that teachers are pursuing.

“That is an unusual concession but illustrates good will on the government side for the agreement to be settled,” Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

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