Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Teachers and principals vote for rolling strikes
Teachers and principals vote for rolling strikes
25 October 2018
NZEI Te Riu Roa principal and primary members have overwhelmingly voted in favour of national rolling strikes in the week starting November 12.
The rolling strikes follow a national strike on August 15, and members' rejection of a second offer by the Ministry in late September.
NZEI Principals' lead negotiator Louise Green said the unprecedented level of industrial action by primary teachers and principals showed the severity of the crisis in our schools.
"We're at crisis point for recruiting and retaining teachers in this country. I've had principal colleagues in tears with the stress of trying to ensure a teacher in every classroom. Meanwhile the huge workload and lack of resources for children with additional learning needs is driving teachers out of the profession," she said.
Teachers' lead negotiator Liam Rutherford said teachers and principals did not want to inconvenience their students and school communities - or lose a day's pay.
"However, we all know what is at stake, and the importance of standing our ground on fixing the crisis in teacher recruitment and retention. Our students deserve better, and this Government can do better - their $5.5 billion surplus confirms it," he said.
Meanwhile, NZEI Te Riu Roa President Lynda Stuart says that while strikes will go ahead “we have agreed to continue to try to seek a resolution.’’
To that end, she said that NZEI and the Secretary for Education have committed themselves fully to seeking an agreed settlement before November, when the strikes are due to commence.
“Tomorrow, both parties will jointly refer the collective bargaining to the Employment Relations Authority for urgent facilitation.”
Facilitation is a statutory process under which an Authority member assists the bargaining parties.
Rolling strike dates
Wider Auckland region - Monday 12, November
North Island (except Auckland and Wellington) - Tuesday, 13 November
Wider Christchurch region (including Ellesmere, Ashley, Mid-Canterbury, Malvern, Hurunui and Aronui Tomua Waitaha) - Wednesday, 14 November
South Island (except wider Christchurch) - Thursday, 15 November
Wider Wellington region - Friday, 16 November
Teachers and principals are asking for:
• Smaller classes, so our
children can get more one-on-one attention
• More
resources and staffing to adequately support children with
additional learning needs
• A significant increase in
teachers’ salaries so that they are properly valued, and
as a country we can recruit and retain teachers. (16% over
two years. The latest offer was 3% a year over three
years)
• Time to teach, and time to lead.
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
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
Family First: Just 1 In 6 Oppose ‘Three Strikes’ - Poll
Labour Party: Budget Blunder Shows Nicola Willis Could Cut Recovery Funding 
Government: Urgent Changes To System Through First RMA Amendment Bill
