Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche says he is concerned primary school teachers are missing out on increased pay and benefits while settlement remains unresolved.
“The longer this goes on, the more teachers are missing out,” says Sir Brian.
“I have enormous regard for primary teachers – they do vital work for our tamariki every day.
“This is not a good situation for anyone, least of all primary teachers.”
Since the end of January, a top‑of‑scale primary teacher has foregone around $50 (before tax) per week, even before increases to management units are factored in.
More than 60 percent of primary teachers hold at least one management unit. Under the December offer, a teacher at the top of the scale with one unit is missing out on around $63 (before tax) per week, and those with two units are missing out on around $76 (before tax) per week.
Members of the union representing primary teachers, the NZEI Te Riu Roa, have now rejected three proposed settlements. An offer agreed in December was comparable to what secondary teachers accepted last year, but union members ultimately did not ratify it.
“Teachers know there are no lump sums or backpay available in this bargaining round,” said Sir Brian.
“Every week without settlement is money teachers aren’t receiving.”
Sir Brian says he remains committed to working constructively with NZEI Te Riu Roa to reach a resolution.
“We have recently spent nearly three days in mediation with the union to find a way forward,” he said.
“I am hopeful that teachers will soon have the chance to see the offer and make up their own minds.
“Our focus must remain on fair, achievable and affordable settlements that strengthen the future of our education system – and recognise the dedicated professionals who make that system work every day.”
