Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Teachers And Principals Head to Ballot
Teachers And Principals Head to Ballot on Ministry of Education Offer
12 June 2018
Due to the urgent need to attract and retain teachers, and ensure children have the education they need, NZEI Te Riu Roa’s National Executive have decided on the weekend that teachers and principals will vote at upcoming union meetings on whether to accept the Ministry of Education’s offer, or to reject it.
Teachers and principals will also vote on nationwide half-day work stoppages from 1:30-4:30pm on 15 August, effectively causing school closures for a half-day. During the stoppages members will attend union meetings to consider any further developments or offers.
Lead negotiator for primary teachers collective agreement Liam Rutherford said: “Members call the shots on this – it is up to teachers as to whether they accept the Ministry’s offer or reject it and take industrial action.”
Lead negotiator for the primary principal’s collective agreement Louise Green said: “After a decade of neglect under the previous government, there are significant issues facing education, including a growing teacher shortage, stress and workload problems, and under-resourcing. Children with additional learning needs are not getting their needs met. Principals and teachers have these issues weighing heavily on their minds as they head to their union meetings.”
Voting will occur by secret ballot at paid union meetings of primary, intermediate and kura teachers and principals across the country from 18-29th June. Dates and locations can be found here.
ends
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.
Braden Currie: Sets Sights On The Ironman North American Championships In Texas
Whanganui Regional Museum: Historic Wedding Dress Unveiled, A Piece Of Marton’s Heritage
Donovan Ryan: Local Runner Takes Out Frontrunner Christchurch Marathon
University of Auckland: Tributes Flow For Much Loved Pacific Leader Melegalenu’u Ah Sam
NZEI: Ministry Of Education Cuts Will Disproportionately Affect Pasifika
Day One Hapai te Haeata: Call To Action For Young Filmmakers Against The Backdrop Of Funding Cuts