Council to investigate easier maintenance of ‘notable’ trees

people, they need better pay and working conditions.

“We want to make teaching a desirable profession,” Michael says.

PPTA’s 20,000 members want salaries increased to match inflation, more guidance staff to work with increasing numbers of rangatahi struggling with mental health and societal issues, greater recognition of kaiako Māori, and effective controls on workload.

PPTA Te Wehengarua acting president Chris Abercrombie says they have been in negotiations for a new collective agreement since May last year. “…there has been plenty of time for the Government to make us an acceptable offer. Sadly, that hasn’t happened,” he says.

Chris says the shortage of secondary teachers is worsening. “Improvements to both teacher salaries and working conditions are essential to keep experienced and skilled teachers in the job, attract top graduates to become secondary teachers and encourage thousands of ex-teachers to return to the profession they left.”

Michael says at present, this is the only strike planned.

“But if we don’t get what we want at the negotiation table, further industrial action is planned.”