Commissioner To Lead Bargaining With Education Sector

Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche today announced he would be retaining his responsibility for collective bargaining with school teachers and principals in the education sector. 

The Commissioner is taking a more active role in collective bargaining across the public sector. 

“My rationale for this decision is influenced by the wider objective of overseeing collective bargaining and managing fiscal pressures across the public sector,” said Sir Brian. 

“Teachers and principals make up a significant and vital workforce and these settlements will likely create a precedent for other public sector bargaining. 

“We need to get a balance between the interests of the respective parties and the fiscal pressures we face as a country, and the need for equitable and sustainable relativity across the broader economy. 

“This approach means I can support the Ministry of Education to actively manage the fiscal environment it is working in while allowing the Ministry to focus on its main role of delivering essential education services.” 

The Public Service Commissioner is responsible for education service bargaining but has delegated responsibility for this to the Secretary for Education since 1997. 

The Commissioner will work alongside the Secretary for Education, Ms Ellen MacGregor-Reid, and other Ministry staff, who will remain actively involved in the negotiations. Their advice and expertise will be central to his decisions. 

“I welcome the Commissioner’s decision. I know the school community, including parents and caregivers, will want us to progress bargaining as quickly as we can to achieve a settled workforce,” said Ms MacGregor-Reid.

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