PPTA asks panel to resolve dispute

Media Release

9 October 2002

PPTA asks panel to resolve dispute

PPTA has requested the arbitration panel to reconvene to settle a dispute over whether secondary teachers with degree-equivalent qualifications should be able to access the new G3+ Step 14 in their collective agreement.

PPTA president Jen McCutcheon said mediation between PPTA and the Ministry had failed to resolve the G3 dispute and the association had no alternative but to call back the panel.

“The Ministry, in trying to redefine what qualifications are degree equivalent, is ignoring the equity of historical arrangements that it entered into in good faith with these teachers.

“To say to these teachers that their qualifications are now not good enough is unfair and a breach of past undertakings.”

McCutcheon said the Ministry was effectively attempting to reverse the decisions made by its own staff in relation to degree equivalent qualifications.

“That is simply unbelievable.”

In addition, a letter from the Ministry to schools requesting G3 teachers to verify and provide evidence of their qualifications had fuelled the frustration and anger of teachers.

“That is totally unnecessary as we believe teachers supply this information to their payroll service centers where it is checked and verified. They should not have to do it again.

“It is ludicrous and just puts extra administrative stress on teachers and principals at a time when they are already under huge pressure.’

Mrs McCutcheon said the panel had expressed a willingness to reconvene to resolve the matter and the need to do so was becoming more urgent every day.

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