29 August 2002

Govt Stuck With Open Chequebook

The Government will regret settling the teachers' industrial dispute with an open chequebook after dragging our schools through chaos for 16 months, says National Leader Bill English.

"This settlement will raise expectations right across the public sector and the Government will be under serious pressure to meet these expectations.

"This will put real pressure on the Budget and the whole debacle can be traced back to the Minister allowing this dispute to continue for well over a year. Now the Government is reaping the consequences.

"With all teachers now locked together in pay parity this is likely to be the last significant increase for teachers. That is a bad result for young New Zealanders who need a dynamic and flexible education system that focuses on high standards," Mr English said.

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