NZSTA concerned about fallout over teachers’ pay

Media release

NZSTA concerned about fallout over teachers’ pay decision

The secondary school teachers’ non-ratification of their proposed settlement could lead to a breakdown in the relationship between teachers, trustees and parents, says NZSTA president Chris France.

And Chris France is urging all parties to move quickly towards a resolution of this lengthy dispute, which has already caused severe disruption to children’s education.

“The New Zealand School Trustees Association is deeply disappointed that members of the PPTA have turned down ratification by a slim margin. Trustees worked hard with all parties throughout the negotiating process in the area of workload and non-contact hours.

“Trustees had hoped to see the teachers dispute resolved. We are concerned that announcing industrial action before the parties have even had an opportunity to discuss the outcome of the stop-work meetings may undermine existing relationships between teachers, principals, boards and school communities.”

NZSTA fully understands and values the important role teachers play but trustees are also concerned about the impact this ongoing dispute will have on students and the wider school relationships, Chris France says.

“It is tragic for students and boards that teachers have felt the need to take this action. We support a professional teaching service and call on all parties to resolve this quickly before our children’s education suffers.”

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For more information contact:

Chris France, President
New Zealand School Trustees Association
027 444 1397

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