Attack on primary teachers’ union is an attack on all unions.

On Wednesday last week the Public Service Commissioner, Brian Roche, sent an Individual Employment Agreement (IEA) offer, to non-unionised primary teachers. This offer was based on an offer already rejected by NZEI Te Riu Roa members, while collective negotiations are still taking place. The offer was then promoted in a high-profile way on public facing websites and media.

This is an alarming action, which does not follow good faith practices in bargaining and is particularly concerning when coming directly from the Public Service Commissioner. If successful, this direct attack on teachers and their ability to collectively organise and improve their working conditions will influence employers across Aotearoa – thereby legitimatising a tactic designed to undermine union power.

We should all be paying attention to this behaviour. We’ve seen attacks on the rights of working people through the gutting of pay equity, changes to the Employment Relations Act, and the proposed changes to the Health and Safety at Work Act. This government does not support working New Zealanders.

We know the way that we improve our working conditions is through using our collective bargaining power and sticking together. We must use our strength in union to push back against any moves to reduce our collective power.

This is a high stress time for teachers in union. Messages of support to primary teacher members at NZEI Te Riu Roa will be hugely appreciated.

You could film yourself or your work team giving a shout out to teachers at NZEI Te Riu Roa, telling them that you see them and to stay strong and stay collective.

Or you could take a pic that shows this message of support. To share it, you can post it to socials. Tag nzeiteriuroa on instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.