November 22nd, 2024

Primary school teachers to vote on improved collective employment agreement offer

The proposed offer includes an 11-14% remuneration increase over three years, lifting the top pay bracket to $100,000 per year by the end of 2024, and a 30% increase in sick leave access over teachers' careers.

Key improvements in the offer include increased classroom release time, allowing teachers to plan and assist students who require additional help, and the introduction of release time for teachers with extra responsibilities
Key improvements in the offer include increased classroom release time, allowing teachers to plan and assist students who require additional help, and the introduction of release time for teachers with extra responsibilities

Following the largest education strike in New Zealand's history in March, primary school teachers are set to vote on an improved collective employment agreement offer presented by the Ministry of Education. The NZEI Te Riu Roa primary teacher members negotiating team reports progress on several key issues, according to an NZEI Te Riu Roa media release on Monday.

South Canterbury teacher and negotiating team leader Barb Curran emphasised the importance of improved working conditions and better pay to attract and retain professionals.

Key improvements in the offer include increased classroom release time, allowing teachers to plan and assist students who require additional help, and the introduction of release time for teachers with extra responsibilities.

The offer also includes historic improvements such as the introduction of cultural leadership allowances, an increase in the Māori immersion teaching allowance, and a new Pacific bilingual teaching allowance.

Vaitimu Togi Lemanu, a deputy principal from Sutton Park School in Mangere, noted that the new allowances recognise the efforts of Pasifika teachers who create resources to deliver the New Zealand curriculum in their languages, the media release said.

Curran also welcomed the announced reduction in teacher-to-student ratios for Years 4-8 and the establishment of the Ministerial Advisory Group on smaller class sizes. She stated that the negotiations team believes the offer is reasonable given the current economic climate.

The proposed offer includes an 11-14% remuneration increase over three years, lifting the top pay bracket to $100,000 per year by the end of 2024, and a 30% increase in sick leave access over teachers' careers. Other improvements target beginning teachers, mileage, and exclusive benefits for NZEI Te Riu Roa members.