The Tertiary Education Union (TEU) has raised concerns about the Government’s decision to offer Individual Employment Agreements (IEAs) to non-union primary teachers, describing the move as a significant departure from standard collective bargaining practice.
Government Offer and Sector Response
The Government’s decision followed the rejection of a similar offer by NZEI Te Riu Roa members during mediation. The offer was then extended directly to non-union teachers while collective negotiations remain ongoing.
According to the TEU, the situation reflects a broader issue extending beyond the primary sector. In its media release, the union stated the move represents “the ‘attack on [the] primary teachers’ union is an attack on all unions’.”
Concerns About Bargaining Practice
The strongest criticism centres on how the offer was communicated and implemented. The TEU said:
“This is an alarming action, which does not follow good faith practices in bargaining and is particularly concerning when coming directly from the Public Service Commissioner.”
The union argues that bypassing collective processes risks undermining established employment relations frameworks, particularly where negotiations are still active.
Implications for Collective Representation
The media release outlines concern that the approach could influence employment practices more broadly across Aotearoa. It states:
“If successful, this direct attack on teachers and their ability to collectively organise and improve their working conditions will influence employers across Aotearoa – thereby legitimatising a tactic designed to undermine union power.”
This framing positions the issue not only as a sector-specific dispute but as part of a wider discussion about the role and strength of collective bargaining in New Zealand’s workforce.
Broader Employment Context
The TEU also links the current situation to other recent policy changes affecting workers, stating:
“We’ve seen attacks on the rights of working people through the gutting of pay equity, changes to the Employment Relations Act, and the proposed changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act.”
The statement continues:
“This government does not support working New Zealanders.”
These comments reflect wider union concerns about legislative and policy direction affecting employment conditions.
Ongoing Developments
The dispute remains active, with NZEI Te Riu Roa signalling its intention to pursue urgent legal action and seek engagement with the Public Service Commission regarding the offer.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between individual contract pathways and collective bargaining processes, with implications extending beyond the primary education sector into broader employment relations.
