PPTA Rejects Government's Collective Agreement Offer

Secondary teachers are looking for a collective agreement settlement that reflects teachers' value, skills, and the pressures of the cost of living, says Chris Abercrombie, PPTA Te Wehengarua president.

“The Government’s initial offer in no way addresses the core issues of teacher recruitment and retention and unmet student need, and has been rejected by our national executive.”

The offer included a pay rise of 1% per year for three years, and a $2,500 annual payment, with no time allowance, for principal’s nominees - teachers responsible for ensuring the school meets all NZQA requirements for assessment and reporting.

Chris Abercrombie said the Government did not make any offers on PPTA’s other claims that included pastoral care allowances, professional learning and development funding and an increase to the value of management units and allowances.

“To receive an initial offer such as this is insulting and frustrating. The feedback I’m already getting from teachers is that they feel very under valued. They are doing amazing work in the midst of relentless curriculum and assessment change, and are managing increasingly complex needs of students.”

Chris Abercrombie said PPTA Te Wehengarua members would be consulted over the next week or so about exactly how they want to respond to this disappointing offer.

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