The NZEI Primary Teachers Collective Agreement 2019: What You Need to Know
The NZEI, or New Zealand Educational Institute, is the largest education union in the country, representing over 50,000 members across the education sector. Among these members are primary school teachers, who are currently in the midst of negotiations for their collective agreement for 2019.
What is a collective agreement?
A collective agreement is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a union representing employees, outlining the terms and conditions of employment. It covers matters such as pay rates, hours of work, holidays and leave, and other benefits and entitlements.
What are the key issues in the current negotiations?
One of the main issues being negotiated in the current round is pay. Primary teachers are seeking a significant increase in their base salaries in order to address a long-standing issue of pay parity with their secondary school counterparts. They are also seeking increases in other allowances and benefits, such as professional development funding, sick leave, and maternity leave.
Another key issue is workload. Primary teachers have raised concerns about the increasing demands on their time and resources, particularly in light of recent changes to the national curriculum and assessment system. They are calling for measures to reduce their workload, such as increased non-contact time and allowances for preparation and planning.
What has been proposed so far?
The NZEI has put forward a claim for a 16% increase in base salaries over two years, along with additional increases in allowances and benefits. The government has responded with an initial offer of a 3% increase each year for three years, along with some additional funding for initiatives such as reducing class sizes and employing extra support staff.
What happens next?
Negotiations are ongoing, with further discussions scheduled for the coming weeks. If an agreement cannot be reached, industrial action may be taken, which could include strikes and other forms of protest.
What does this mean for primary school teachers and students?
The outcome of the negotiations will have a significant impact on primary school teachers and the education system as a whole. If teachers feel that their concerns are not being adequately addressed, it could lead to further industrial action, which could disrupt the education of thousands of students across the country. However, if an agreement can be reached that takes into account the needs and concerns of teachers, it could lead to improved working conditions and better outcomes for students.
Overall, the NZEI Primary Teachers Collective Agreement 2019 negotiations are an important issue to watch for anyone with an interest in education in New Zealand. Whether an agreement can be reached that satisfies the needs of both teachers and the government remains to be seen, but it is clear that the outcome will have wide-reaching implications for the future of education in the country.