A black day for teaching – ministry offer rejected

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Black Thursday Photographs from teachers in schools 1 July 2010

June 30, 2010

PPTA members nationwide will dress in black tomorrow after overwhelmingly rejecting the Ministry of Education’s offer for the settlement of the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement (STCA).

The current agreement expires today and tomorrow teachers will wear black to signal their frustration and disappointment at the failure of the ministry to address their concerns, PPTA president Kate Gainsford says.

Both the prime minister and minister of finance have said they expect pay increases to outstrip inflation, yet the ministry’s offer (1.5% for the first year and 1% the year after) was well below inflation. “In real terms this amounts to a significant pay cut for teachers,” Gainsford said.

As the economy improves there will be an outflow from the profession, and a pay offer well below both inflation and expected wage rises in the private sector would do nothing to attract teachers to the profession or retain those currently teaching. “It isn’t just unreasonable – it is irresponsible,” she said.

Secondary teachers responding to a secret ballot conducted by the union said the offer indicated the government neither understood nor valued the work teachers did.

The offer also included a proposal requiring teachers to do additional work when students are not at school, rather than the individual planning, marking, resource preparation and professional development they currently do at those times.

Most offensive of all was that the ministry had not responded to a single one of the members’ claims to improve recruitment and retention, health and safety and professional learning, Gainsford said.

“Teachers are calling on the government to come back to the table with a more constructive approach.”

PPTA executive will review progress during its July meeting and decide whether to call stop work meetings to discuss possible further actions, she said.

Contact: PPTA President Kate Gainsford (04) 913 4227 or 021 822 001

Black Thursday Photographs from teachers in schools

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John Kent said:

	... I think that the current PPTA wage increase demands are outrageous given the current state of the economy. Teachers should thank their lucky stars that they have a job at all unlike tens of thousands of other unfortunate Kiwis! Get real you lot, you're already well paid for the work that you do given the hours that you work, don't be so greedy!
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August 31, 2010
Votes: -7

Lynette said:

Western Bay PPTA re: Get real, ministry tells teachers
However, PPTA regional chairman for the Western Bay Jason Smythe, said it appeared Ms McTavish had no idea of how the current provisions for "call-back" days worked in schools.
"And she must have a strange definition of the word 'clarify' as their clarification means removing a range of current restrictions in using those 10 days."
Mr Smythe said the ministry had responded negatively to all PPTA claims, except the salary claim, and the offer on salary has been overwhelmingly rejected by PPTA members in the straw poll.
"Our claim is about investing in education.
"We are focused on the years ahead as well as the classrooms we are in now," Mr Smythe said.
"PPTA members are highly aware our employment conditions are our students learning conditions; that is worth valuing."
http://www.bayofplentytimes.co.nz/local/news/get-real-ministry-tells-teachers/3916795/

July 12, 2010
Votes: +1

Lynette said:

	Great story in Bay of Plenty Times http://www.bayofplentytimes.co...r/3916711/About 603 Western Bay Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) members turned up to class dressed in black to signify what was described as a "black day for teaching," with many questioning the value the Government places on their jobs.
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July 02, 2010
Votes: +0

Bronwyn Cross said:

	Thanks Got it in one Rina!
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July 01, 2010
Votes: +0

PPTAweb said:

Interested Reader
I just want to give my support to the PPTA. I feel that this Government has been a big let down for the Education system of our Country. It seems like they want our teachers to leave for greener pastures. i remember them talking about halting the brain drain. Its seem just another enticement for votes & now their true colours are shining through. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui!

July 01, 2010
Votes: +3

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