New Group To Fight For Tech Teachers’ Parity

Media Release: Education/Political Reporters
Wednesday 19 February 2003

New Group To Fight For Tech Teachers’ Parity

“Technology and other teachers strongly support efforts to reopen negotiations and have told our group they will take wildcat action to support it,” Maggie Lovekin, spokesperson for the recently formed Pay Disparity group said today. She was commenting on reported statements by Phil Smith, PPTA President, that an option for Technology teachers was to seek negotiations to amend the collective agreement.

“Teachers we have spoken to have no confidence that the Ministerial Taskforce will solve the problem. They want the CEA reopened and the situation for G1, G2, and G3 non-degree teachers readdressed. Our group’s goal is for all to get today’s (19 February) pay rise. In the meantime we want a commitment to backdating the increase to today’s date.”

“Already teachers are contacting our new group saying they will reduce their ‘voluntary extra work’ round the school and will refuse to voluntarily take teacher trainees unless they get the payment,” said Maggie Lovekin.

“New PPTA President Phil Smith has earned some credit among Technology teachers for his fighting words,” said Maggie Lovekin. “However, the PPTA Executive has also come in for criticism for agreeing to ratify the deal in August. Many feel they gave glib assurances to non-degreed teachers about their ability to access the pay rise in order to get them to vote for it. Had the vote been held now, teachers would not have voted for it”

For more info: Maggie Lovekin 06 367 2113 021 232 3510

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