11 October 2001

THE CHICKENS ARE COMING HOME TO ROOST

“It would seem that the honeymoon is over. The chickens are coming home to roost,” Christian Heritage Education Spokesperson, Rod Harris said today.

The very government that introduced the Employment Relations Act is now being tested itself on “Good Faith Bargaining”. For the first time in five years, there is a teachers’ national strike, and that under a Labour/Alliance Government.

Under a National Government, the PPTA worked co-operatively with the Ministry of Education in the development of the NCEA. At the time the PPTA recognised the implications on teacher workload. The PPTA was prepared to work with National on the NCEA, but it would appear they cannot work with Labour/Alliance.

“When is Mr Mallard going to wake up?” asked Mr Harris. “He has pandered to the PPTA by abolishing bulk funding of teachers’ salaries. Now they are demanding more, and they are prepared to strike to get it.”

The PPTA knows a strategic time to strike. This cannot be condoned. It has chosen a time that could have a major impact on the students. “The PPTA has said much about being concerned about the needs of students. This pales into insignificance in the light that they have chosen the time when many secondary students are preparing for their end of year exams,” said Mr Harris.

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