Govt hiding over pay talks: PPTA

File photo / APN

The Government needs to stop hiding if it wants to avoid intensified strike action by secondary school teachers next year, says the Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA).

"While it is pleasing to see the minister [Education Minister Anne Tolley] taking some kind of interest in the secondary sector, we still have unanswered letters and little real engagement on any meaningful level," PPTA president Kate Gainsford said today.

The PPTA and the Ministry of Education have been unable to reach an agreement over a new contract resulting in strike action since September.

"The moderate action that has been taken should be enough for the Government to recognise the value of the services teachers provide - but evidently that has not yet been the case," Ms Gainsford said.

The PPTA is now sounding out members about escalating industrial action next year.

The comments came after Mrs Tolley welcomed the settlement of the contract for primary teachers and principals, but fired a shot at the PPTA last night.

After months of negotiations between the primary teachers' union, New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI), and the Ministry of Education, a settlement was reached on December 1, and ratified yesterday.

The new pay rate will come into effect either late February or early March and will be backdated to December 1 and include a $300 lump sum payment.

"I commend the primary teachers and principals for recognising that these are fair offers in the current economic climate," Mrs Tolley said.

The settlement gave peace of mind for parents and students, as schools could focus on lifting achievement, she said.

"I hope that this encourages the PPTA to return to the negotiating table to reach a settlement for secondary teachers in a calm and constructive manner, as families have had enough of their industrial action."

- NZPA