22 March 2002

Minister Expresses Disappointment Over Secondary Teachers

Education Minister Trevor Mallard today expressed disappointment that secondary teacher negotiators had rejected a new offer tabled this week.

“I believe that the offer was good and deserved more discussion among secondary teachers and the wider community,” Trevor Mallard said.

The new offer included two options.

One option included a basic pay increase of between 6% and more than 10% for an agreement until April 2004.

The other included a basic pay increase of between 5.5% and more than 10% for an agreement until April 2004. As well as 2000 new fixed-term management units for three years, (ending 20041), across all secondary schools, (worth $2805 each-pa), for teachers who have taken on significant additional responsibility to meet NCEA implementation requirements. The second option also included an extension to high priority teaching allowances.

Other aspects such as non-contact time, targeted incentives and a stated intention to increase secondary teacher numbers by 1850 (above roll growth), over five years, remain.

Trevor Mallard has today sent a letter to all secondary boards outlining the Government’s case and details of the new offer.

“Many boards are not aware of the details in the Government’s offers or the extent of our willingness to negotiate an agreement.

“I hope all board members will take the time to read the letter,” Trevor Mallard said.

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