“We would much prefer to have received a satisfactory offer from the Government which addressed the significant challenges we are facing.”
Abercrombie said if no progress was made, they would also roster students home and not teach certain year levels on specific days from September 15.
Higher salaries were needed to attract and retain teachers, especially amid NCEA reforms, it said.
“We are also witnessing increasing numbers of young people struggling with more complex needs such as mental health, emotional and societal issues, that are not being met.
“Yet our claim for more pastoral care time and funding was completely ignored in the Government’s offer.”
The offer also failed to address other claims like greater recognition of curriculum leaders, and the need for more subject specialist advisers, teacher-led professional learning and development funding, Abercrombie said.
“All of these are imperative for the success of the changes the Government wants to make to secondary education.”
He acknowledged the industrial action would be disruptive for parents and caregivers, but asked them to stand with teachers as they seek a better deal.
The primary teachers’ union, NZEI, also rejected the Government’s 1% pay rise last week.
From next week, they will head into mass paid union meetings with other education member groups, including principals, support staff and Ministry of Education learning support to decide on their next steps.
Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche was overseeing this year’s negotiations.
The commission has been approached for comment.
– RNZ
