Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche is urging the secondary school teachers’ union (PPTA) to put students’ learning first and return to the table to bargain in good faith.
“Industrial action affects not only classrooms, but also the overall wellbeing of students and working parents,” Sir Brian said.
“The offer made to teachers was a very good one and teachers have an opportunity to settle and get extra money into their pockets quickly.”
The Commissioner said the offer rejected was strong, fair and addressed cost-of-living pressures. It represented a pay increase of 4.7% within 12 months for secondary teachers already at the top of their pay scale. The offer would have cost taxpayers an additional $361 million over four years.
This comes after secondary teachers received pay advances of up to 14.5% in the last three years.
“In difficult economic times, pay settlements must be affordable and responsible,” said Sir Brian.
“We cannot ignore the fiscal pressures facing the country. Negotiation, not escalation, is the way forward. I encourage the union to re-engage constructively so we can reach a solution that works for everyone.”
Notes for editors and news directors
Please note that Sir Brian is not available for interviews and will not be making any further comment.
Key elements supporting this offer:
- A 4.7% total pay increase for all trained teachers at the top of their pay scale within 12 months, which takes their base salary (without additional allowances) to $107,886 p/a.
- 76% of trained secondary teachers would be paid a base salary of at least $100k per annum within 12 months of ratification.
- Increasing the value of Middle Management Allowances by $400 p/a for Secondary and Area Teachers recognising the pastoral care element
Note: The base salary figure does not include any additional remuneration paid for taking on management, specialist, or other responsibilities. The average remuneration paid in 2024, prior to the December 2024 pay increases, was $100,933 for secondary teachers.
