LABOUR PARTY
MEDIA STATEMENT

Government puts fair play at risk at Kindy

Labour’s Education spokesperson Chris Carter and Early Childhood spokesperson Sue Moroney endorsed the NZEI’s campaign to exempt Kindergarten teachers from the impact of the new 90 day “fire at will” law.

"It’s a disgrace that Kindergarten teachers have to bargain for the right to a fair process if unfairly dismissed in the first 90 days of employment," Sue Moroney said.

"This has always been a basic right for all New Zealanders but under the National-Act Government it has been reduced to a bargaining chip during wage negotiations."

The NZEI has announced it will claim an exemption for Kindergarten teachers from the 90 day "fire at will" provision passed into law under urgency by the new Government, after Education Minister Anne Tolley reneged on an election campaign commitment to exempt teachers from the provision.

"The Minister voted against Labour’s amendment to the bill proposing exactly that exemption. The NZEI is now giving the Minister a second chance to honour her election commitment, having reneged on it once already, “said Chris Carter

"New Zealanders expect Kindergarten teachers to promote the values of fairness and respect with our young children. They should be entitled to fairness and respect themselves in their workplace," Sue Moroney said

Mr Carter said most Kindergartens and Early Childhood Centres have fewer than 20 staff therefore fall under the provisions of the new law.

The practical impact of this will be on recruitment and retention of staff, a climate of uncertainty, and a lack of trust in a sector that is already experiencing staffing pressures.

"The fact the NZEI has taken this action is proof that the 'fire at will' law, and the way National passed it was a disgrace," Mr Carter said.

This is the first major test of the new legislation and Labour strongly supports the NZEI in its campaign for fairness in Kindergarten sector.

ENDS

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