Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche has advised school boards an offer for improved pay and conditions can now be made directly to non‑union primary teachers.
Around 10,000 primary teachers are not members of NZEI Te Riu Roa.
The Commissioner says school boards can, from today, make offers to those teachers on individual employment agreements (IEAs).
“This will allow around 10,000 teachers to accept pay increases and get extra money in their pocket without further delay,” says Sir Brian.
Similar offers have already been accepted by unions representing primary principals – including those represented by NZEI Te Riu Roa – plus secondary teachers and secondary principals.
“I respect the important role unions play. I remain fully committed to concluding a settlement for the Primary Teachers’ Collective Agreement and will continue to bargain in good faith for primary teachers represented by the NZEI Te Riu Roa,” Sir Brian said.
“However, as time goes on, I can’t justify withholding an offer from hard‑working teachers simply because they are not union members. They should not be penalised for that.”
The Commissioner said he has taken this step to ensure primary teachers receive increased pay as soon as possible.
“Primary teachers who are on individual agreements, and are not members of a union, deserve to have an offer and decide for themselves whether to accept it,” said Sir Brian.
“Unions representing primary principals, secondary teachers and secondary principals have already accepted very similar pay increases.
“This is about fairness. Non‑union teachers have the same responsibilities in classrooms every day as their union colleagues. They should have the same chance to consider the offer. This is their opportunity to do so. Why should they have to wait due to circumstances beyond their control?”
