Striking teachers fear for region’s education future

Unionised secondary school teachers will walk off the job today, led by the Post Primary Teachers’ Association (PPTA), after collective bargaining negotiations stalled.

The strike, which began with a demonstration in Seymour Square on Wednesday morning from 8am, comes in response to growing frustration over what teachers describe as inadequate government support for both pay and working conditions.

Marlborough PPTA representative Dr Michael Harvey said that while the one percent annual pay rise over three years was reason enough to strike, further criticism made by Government officials have riled up union members.

“We’re not going to bring teachers and subject specialists into Marlborough and the country as a whole by paying them $61,000 starting salary, which is especially concerning as the profession in Marlborough is aging.

“Local trainees will much rather overseas or into private schools where they’re better supported instead of getting this practical pay cut.

“The Government’s announcements show me they’re only looking at the pay issue while we’re asking for more pastoral care time, subject specialist advisors, recognition for curriculum leaders and proper funding for professional development, which are essential for quality education.”

Comments from Education Minister Erica Stanford and Public Service Minister Judith Collins are contested by Michael who says regional teaching recruitment is already struggling.

Minister Collins said teachers could earn up to $147,000, although later apologised for “mixing the message” around teacher’s pay on Monday.

“The $147,000 figure the Minister mentioned applies to deputy principals in large Auckland schools, not classroom teachers, and failed to say seventy percent of teachers are already at the top of their pay scale,” he explains.

“We categorically reject the idea that this strike is a political stunt - this is democratic and deliberate from union members.

“Minister Collins defends paying Crown board members an 80% increase because they’re in charge of a billion dollars, then says this strike is a ‘political stunt’ from us with the responsibility of the future of the country - what’s more valuable?”

With the recently announced changes to NCEA assessments, Michael says the Government are simplifying what is an issue of crucial future importance around Artificial Intelligence in classrooms.

“I’m pro-AI being adopted in schools for learning assistance, but it’s a real danger that a student can create assignments with AI and send it off to Wellington to be marked by AI with no human involved in that loop.

“It can’t replace the human connection in grading — marking tests is how we understand our students and improve our own classroom practices so removing that undermines the profession.

“The Government needs to return to the bargaining table with a realistic and sustainable offer which recognizes the true salaries of classroom teachers, not just headline figures, and prioritize retention and recruitment.

“We’re not just fighting for ourselves, we’re fighting for the future of public education in New Zealand, and students deserve better,” he added.