Exemption from strike action on Thursday 16 March

Exemption from strike action on Thursday 16 March

Primary teachers and principals are currently in negotiations with the government to settle our collective agreements and feel that their offer did not meet expectations, nor make sufficient steps towards the changes we need for our children to succeed. The current conditions and funding for our schools is not enough to enable us to support all our students to thrive.  We need to attract and retain educators by ensuring that teaching is a valued and attractive profession and at present we struggle to find teachers to fill our vacant positions or relieve.

On Thursday 16 March Primary and Secondary school teachers in New Zealand are striking to seek better work conditions. NZEI gave schools in Cyclone affected regions the option to vote on a strike exemption and remain open.  When our staff reflected on the disruption caused to people’s lives, businesses and homes in our area they voted to OPEN on Thursday 16 March.

 We will NOT be striking. 

This does not mean that we do not support the claims of the collective bargaining and the actions of the teachers but, in an area as affected as ours, we decided this action was not appropriate at this time. 

Staff will be wearing black to show their support for their colleagues and will be arriving just before students arrive from 8.15am and leaving school as soon as the last students leave at 3.15pm to reflect this support for striking teachers. 

Dannevirke South School Team