Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Teachers strike to support kids, parents and communities
6 December 2012
Immediate Release
Teachers plan strike to support kids, parents and communities
Teachers and school support staff in Christchurch have been forced into giving notice of strike action because of the ongoing serious concerns for Christchurch children and the future of their education.
NZEI Te Riu Roa Te Riu Roa National President Ian Leckie says the decision to give notice of strike was backed by an overwhelming majority of teachers at yesterday’s mass meeting and shows the level of concern about the Government’s education agenda.
“Teachers and support staff do not threaten industrial action lightly. It has been many years since primary teachers have been out on strike and this is certainly not about any personal gain. They have been forced into this in order to protect the education of children.
“Teachers, with the support of their school communities, have now reached the point where they believe that there is no other alternative to strike action. The Government is not listening and is going down a very dangerous path for Christchurch education.
“Neither the Minister of Education nor the Ministry have been able to explain why Christchurch kids are being the guinea pigs for a radical reform of education that goes way beyond restoring earthquake affected schools.
“Why is Christchurch being earmarked for mega-sized schools, double-bunking and charter schools?”
“It seems clear that this is the beginning of major changes that the Government would eventually like to roll out in the rest of the country.
Mr Leckie says the
Government now needs to go back and consult properly and
this time it needs to put children at the centre of its
education planning.
NZEI Te Riu Roa
New Zealand Educational Institute
NZEI Te Riu Roa members work in every community in New Zealand, leading and advocating for quality public education.
We are the 50,000 principals, teachers and support staff who work in primary, area and secondary schools as well as early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services. We come together as NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand's largest education union, a Treaty based organisation and a powerful advocate for quality public education.
We have the most important job in New Zealand - educating for the future.
Gordon Campbell: On bird flu, AUKUS entry fees and Cindy Lee
NZ Government: New Lab To Help Protect Key Pacific Tuna Fisheries
Susan Botting - Local Democracy Reporter: Ruawai Leader Slams Kaipara Council In Battle Over $400k Property
Te Pati Maori: Another ‘Stolen Generation’ Enabled By Court Ruling On Waitangi Tribunal Summons
Peace Action Wellington: Die In for Palestine Marks ANZAC day
Labour Party: Penny Drops – But What About Seymour And Peters?
Government: PM Announces Changes To Portfolios
