Decision on New Union Deferred For One Week

Decision on New Union Deferred For One Week

“Pukekohe High School non-degreed teachers have shown they have no confidence in PPTA by resigning en masse and calling on others to follow suit,” Martin Cooney, spokesperson for the September 20 group said today. “Feedback to our group shows that PPTA faces the prospect of resignations from c80% of non-degreed teachers in NZ”.

“September 20 however notes that the real villain here is the Minister of Education and his refusal to honour and pay for his parity promises,” said Mr Cooney. “He has also specifically refused to honour arrangements which teachers clearly understood when they voted on ratification. They were told the arbitration panel would reconvene to look at the Degree Equivalent teacher issue if unresolved – in such time that the pay increase could take effect before 5 Feb 2003. The Government has reneged on this undertaking.”

“Our group is firstly advising those resigning to ensure they have insurance or other arrangements for legal protection. We are undertaking arrangements for this to be available to teachers who do resign,” said Mr Cooney.

“Our group has been approached about forming another union. PPTA has asked non degreed teachers for more time,” said Mr Cooney. “Our Committee has therefore written to PPTA to inform them they have seven days to meet a set of conditions for non degreed teachers. Failure to meet these conditions will result in the formation of a new union. The Executive meets next weekend (14-16 Nov) and has the power to meet all the conditions.”

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