We knew it was coming, but secondary school teachers have just hit the jackpot! They’ve given a big thumbs up to the government’s latest pay offer. So, by December next year, they’ll be pocketing a whopping 14.5% more in their paychecks.
Chris Abercrombie, the big cheese at the Post Primary Teachers’ Association, couldn’t contain his joy. He was over the moon, saying that the union members showed a “strong support” for this offer. And guess who else is on board? Education Minister Jan Tinetti. She’s calling this a game-changer, saying it’s “one of the most significant pay increases New Zealand secondary teachers have ever received”.
The Nitty-Gritty Details
Let’s break it down:
- Teachers will get a 6% pay hike from July 3 this year. Sweet!
- Next up, a 4% boost in April next year.
- And to top it off, another 3.9% in December next year. Ka-ching!
But wait, there’s more! Every secondary school teacher will receive a one-time bonus of $5000. And if you’re a union member, you’re in for an extra treat—a lump sum of $1500. Mark your calendars, folks! The lump sum will hit the bank accounts by September 5, and the rest of the goodies will roll out by October 18 this year.
Why the Big Raise?
You might be wondering, ‘Why now?’ Well, Minister Tinetti believes that to have the best teaching, we need the best teachers (surprise!). And to keep them around, we’ve got to show them the money. She’s confident that this pay raise will do just that, especially when there’s a shortage of teachers around.
But It’s Not Just About the Money
Teachers have been raising their voices, not just for better pay, but also for better working conditions. They’ve been juggling increasing workloads, needing more support, and watching their colleagues leave the profession. This new agreement throws them a lifeline. It sets aside $2.5 million every year for teachers to learn and grow. Plus, there’s a bonus of $750 for every teacher to cover registration costs over the next three years.
Wrapping It Up
After what felt like forever—with strikes and negotiations—it’s a relief to see the dust settle. Teachers and parents can finally breathe a sigh of relief. As Abercrombie puts it:
Secondary teachers can now focus on what they love most—teaching and learning in a peaceful environment.
Chris Abercrombie, Post Primary Teachers’ Association
And that’s something they’ve been itching to do for ages!