Teachers Reject Latest Offer
Secondary teachers represented by PPTA Te Wehengarua have rejected the latest collective agreement offer from the Government and are calling for solutions that address deeper concerns within the sector.
According to PPTA Te Wehengarua President Chris Abercrombie, “Teachers are sending a clear message to the Government that we want a collective agreement offer that meets the needs of teachers and students.”
Concerns Around Staffing and Student Needs
One of the key concerns raised by the union is the need for more staffing support for pastoral care in schools. Teachers say that increasing these resources is critical to support students with additional needs and ensure more time is available for classroom teaching.
Chris Abercrombie says, “We want a commitment to funding additional staffing for pastoral care so that students who need extra support get it, and teachers have more time to teach.”
Pressure on Retention and Recruitment
The union has highlighted issues around teacher retention and recruitment, with many educators reportedly leaving the profession for better pay overseas or shifting into other sectors within New Zealand. PPTA estimates a current shortage of approximately 800 teachers.
“We’re losing experienced teachers and struggling to attract new teachers. Teachers can earn more in Australia or in different jobs in Aotearoa,” Chris Abercrombie says.
Impact of Education System Changes
Teachers are also asking for recognition of the significant changes underway in the education system, including curriculum and qualification reforms. PPTA says that to manage these changes effectively, experienced teachers must be supported to stay in the profession.
“We’re making once-in-a-generation changes to the curriculum and qualifications. We need experienced teachers in front of students so we can get it right.”
Planned Patrial Strike Action
In response to the rejected offer, partial strike action will be taken by PPTA members between Monday, 15 September and Thursday, 18 September. Each day, teachers will not be teaching, instructing, or supervising students in designated year levels.
Chris Abercrombie notes, “Teachers don’t take this action lightly and would much rather be continuing to teach in a settled environment.”
He adds, “However, our collective agreement negotiations are a crucial way to get pressing teaching and learning issues addressed, so we really need the Government to acknowledge our concerns and commit to finding effective and meaningful solutions.”
