Public Services Commissioner Sir Brian Roche
Photo: Supplied/ Public Service Commission
The Public Service Commissioner is warning primary school teachers they’ll hurt students and their families if they go on strike.
A strike ballet opened on Tuesday after Education Institute (NZEI) members rejected the offer of a pay rise between 2.7 – 4.6 percent over the next two years.
Commissioner Sir Brian Roche said strike action would affect not just students and classrooms, but working parents.
“The offer on the table is a very good one and primary teachers have an opportunity to settle and get extra money into their pockets quickly – and avoid further disruption for students and parents.”
But NZEI union negotiator Liam Rutherford said tecahers pushed for the vote after feeling like they weren’t being listened to.
He said their frustrations weren’t just about pay – they also wanted more learning support in the classroom.
“Teacher aides across every classroom in the country would be a fanstastic start and that is something that the government can be doing right now.
“It would have an immediate effect on ensuring that our most vulnerable children with the most diverse needs would get that extra pair of hands in class.”
Following the rejected pay offer, the union said a strike ballot would open tomorrow for primary teachers, principals, support staff and learning support specialists.
The ballot would close on 16 September.
Roche said the offer was fair, fiscally responsible and met the cost-of-living pressures.
“The offer rewards experienced teachers with meaningful pay increases. The offer for less experienced teachers still exceeds inflation.
“We’ve stretched our fiscal mandate to the limit.
“Teachers need to think hard about whether continued strike action is in anyone’s best interest, particularly with a very fair offer on the table.”
The Ministry of Education previously offered teachers three 1 percent pay rises over three years, before NZEI members held two weeks of stop-work meetings in August for primary schools and principals, including support staff and Ministry of Education learning staff.
NZEI said teachers felt undervalued and pay offers needed to ensure teachers didn’t go backwards.
Earlier this year, it said smaller classes and more teacher aides were needed to ensure all children had quality learning.
Secondary school teachers also took strike action last month over pay talks.
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