Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche is concerned primary school teachers have rejected a very good pay offer and are considering strike action, which will disrupt classroom learning and harm students, families and communities.
“Industrial action affects not only classrooms, but also the overall wellbeing of students and working parents,” Sir Brian said.
“The offer on the table is a very good one and primary teachers have an opportunity to settle and get extra money into their pockets quickly – and avoid further disruption for students and parents.”
The commissioner said the offer on the table was strong, fair and addresses cost-of-living pressures. It would cost taxpayers an additional $449 million over four years. This represents a pay increase of up to 4.7% within 12 months.
This comes after primary 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 NZEI to re-engage constructively so we can reach a solution that works for everyone.”
Notes for editors and news directors
In dollar terms, the offer equates to pay increases between $3,803 and $9,408 in the first year of the proposed agreement, with regular annual progression included. Over two years, for those who are not at their top step, it means increases of between $7,757 and $16,926 depending on where teachers are on the base pay scale.
The average salary for primary school teachers increased from around $85,000 three years ago to over $94,000 now, with approximately 57% of full-time primary teachers now earning between $90,000 and $110,000, with 16% earning over $110,000.
