NZCTU ‘thrilled’ that ECTs are negotiating a fair play agreement

Early childhood teachers in New Zealand, via the NZEI Te Riu Roa union, have lodged an application with the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment to begin negotiating for a Fair Pay Agreement After more than 6000 members signed up in support, a decision which has “thrilled” the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU).

“Early childhood teachers are another important group of workers who face some real challenges,” NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff said.

“A fair pay agreement will go a long way to ensuring higher minimum standards are negotiated so the sector can do better at retaining and recruiting teachers who do such a valuable job helping our tamariki get the best start in life.”

Early childhood teacher Margaret Barclay has worked and campaigned in the sector for nearly 50 years. She says the sector is diverse and fragmented.

“I am aware of the wide range of working conditions and remuneration in early childhood,” she said. 

“Now this is our opportunity to bargain which will help achieve quality early childhood education across the motu (island) for every child out there.”

“The NZCTU urges all employers to take a positive view of FPAs which will help attract people into their sector and help build a skilled, productive and committed workforce,” Mr Wagstaff said in closing.