New collective offer for teachers put to vote

A new Government offer was sent to teachers yesterday by union NZEI Te Riu Roa; votes will close tonight (Monday 08 September). 

The new offer has improved pay rates but is still short of meeting inflation (2.7%) and does not approach the pay equity claim scrapped earlier this year. 

Read the latest print edition of School News online HERE.

Instead, if the offer is accepted, teachers on steps 1-8 of the scale will receive a flat rate increase of $1300 this year, and $1200 in 2026. This totals an increase of between 2.7% and 4.1% over two years. 

Teachers on steps 9 and 10 will receive a 2.5% pay increase this year, and 2.1% next year. 

Related School News story: Union considers legal action over cuts to resource teachers.

Resource teacher of learning and behaviour, and primary teacher negotiation team lead Paeone Goonan says the union sent the offer out to members quickly, as teachers are keen for fast, efficient bargaining. 

“We’ve asked members to indicate whether they want to accept the offer and go back to the table to finalise it or reject the offer and move to a vote on strike action.”

Ms Goonan says that members are being asked to consider if the offer fairly values their work, supports them and their students’ needs, and acknowledges the role of Te Tiriti in the education system.

“We will go back into bargaining next week with a clear mandate either way from our members.”

Related School News story: New campaign aims to lift the mana of teachers.