Teachers Strike Forces High School Closures Amid Pay Dispute

High schools across the country have closed their doors as teachers engage in a strike over pay disputes. The action, initiated by the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA), is a response to the government’s proposed 1 percent pay rise each year for the next three years, which the union claims is the lowest offer in decades. Teachers argue that enhanced salaries are essential for attracting and retaining qualified educators, particularly in light of recent reforms to the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA).

In the event that negotiations do not yield satisfactory outcomes, the PPTA has announced plans for further industrial action, which may include rostering students home from the middle of March 2024. Education Minister Erica Stanford acknowledged that some progress was made during recent mediation sessions but did not disclose specific details of the discussions.

Public Service Minister Judith Collins expressed regret over her previous statements regarding teacher salaries, specifically her claim that high school teachers with ten years of experience could earn $147,000. This assertion drew confusion, particularly from Subash Chandar K, a respected maths educator and Kiwibank’s Local Hero of the Year, who suggested that Collins may have been referring to principals or associate principals instead of classroom teachers.

Chandar, who has closely monitored the job market, pointed out that a review of over 1,000 teaching positions revealed only two roles that offered salaries exceeding $140,000. He expressed frustration at the disparity, noting that backbench MPs currently earn $163,000, while teachers face increasing workloads without corresponding pay increases.

The demands on teachers have expanded significantly, with many educators starting their day at 8:00 AM and concluding with various meetings, including departmental discussions and family consultations. “Our students are much more diverse now in terms of their learning,” Chandar stated, emphasizing the need for tailored support for students and collaboration with their families.

In addition to daily responsibilities, teachers also invest time outside of school hours to complete administrative tasks, conduct parent-teacher meetings, and participate in extracurricular activities such as kapa haka and school camps. As they adapt to ongoing curriculum changes, many teachers report feeling overwhelmed by the additional responsibilities placed on them without an increase in compensation.

“Most teachers love being in the classroom,” Chandar remarked, “but the accumulation of extra tasks is devaluing our essential work.” He concluded that the lack of appropriate remuneration for these increasing demands is where the frustration truly begins to manifest among educators.

As the strike continues, the future of negotiations remains uncertain, with educators advocating for better pay and working conditions to support their vital role in shaping the next generation.