Education Union Welcomes Improved Sick Leave Entitlements

Thursday, 20 May 2021, 12:02 pm
Press Release: NZEI

NZEI Te Riu Roa is welcoming last night's law change improving sick leave, increasing the minimum legal entitlement to ten days.

The union says that the issue of sick leave is important across the education sector, but particularly in early childhood where until now many teachers have only received the statutory minimum of five days’ sick leave despite the nature of their work meaning they are constantly exposed to contagious illnesses and viruses.

“These improved sick leave provisions will promote safer environments for educators but also for our tamariki, both at home and in their schools and centres,” NZEI Te Riu Roa President Liam Rutherford says.

It's expected that the new law will come into force within the next three months.

NZEI Te Riu Roa supported the Council of Trade Unions’ 10,000-strong petition to the Government last year calling for this increase in mandated sick leave allowances.

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NZEI Te Riu Roa

New Zealand Educational Institute

NZEI Te Riu Roa members work in every community in New Zealand, leading and advocating for quality public education.

We are the 50,000 principals, teachers and support staff who work in primary, area and secondary schools as well as early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services. We come together as NZEI Te Riu Roa - New Zealand's largest education union, a Treaty based organisation and a powerful advocate for quality public education.

We have the most important job in New Zealand - educating for the future.

Contact NZEI Te Riu Roa

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