A message from Lynda Stuart to all PPCA members
Tena koe
As a result of primary principals’ strong rejection of the offer to settle our collective agreement, the Ministry has made a second offer. We will discuss and vote on whether to accept it in the new year. There are also some opportunities this week to let us know your thoughts and to hear from the bargaining team.
The offer
The Government made an improved PSPA pay offer as part of this package. The other change is an increase to the number of sabbaticals available. All other parts of the previous offer stay the same. You can read a summary of the offer compared to the claim below.
Pay
- $4000 increase to the U-Grade salary component from 1 Dec 2022 (the same as the previous offer) and a 3% increase to the U-grade salary component on 1 Dec 2023. The change to a 3% offer is an increase on the previous offer which was for only a flat $2000 increase.
- A one-off payment of $750 (pro-rata) for members of NZEI Te Riu Roa as of 3 March 2023.
- A one-off payment of $500 for all principals on 1 Dec 2023.
Sabbaticals
- An increase in the number of sabbaticals available up from 105 to 145 per year.
Equity index-based payment
- Introduce an equity index payment to replace the decile payment. The new equity payment will be based on the school index number of 478 to 569. Where a principals’ remuneration is reduced via translation, or the equity index number changes to below 478, their salary will be protected for a 24-month period from the point of change.
You can also read the full offer, the collective agreement with tracked changes and an annex clarifying the wording below.
What do we think about the offer?
The Government has said this second PSPA offer is the best one they can make. We will need to decide if we are willing to accept this or if we continue to campaign to get our key issues addressed.
I am hosting Zoom meetings this Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-5pm for anyone who wants to discuss the most recent offer and to hear what the team thinks. I strongly encourage you to join me if you can!
What happens now?
All members will get to vote early next year on whether to accept the second offer. This is likely during paid union meetings in the week of 20 February. If the offer is rejected, we will continue with our escalating campaign plan.
There was a great deal of discussion and feedback from the PUMs last month about what people were willing to do and what we want to stop doing until we get an acceptable offer. It was clear that members want the campaign to continue and want to implement the action plan.
The Principals’ Council and negotiating team will be meeting together in the term break to develop a detailed plan for campaign actions, including the things we stop doing! We will share that with you before school starts next year.
Use this form if you want to let us know how you feel about the offer and what you want to do about it.
Primary Teachers’ Offer
Primary teachers have also received a new offer. You can read about it in this email sent to members today.
Finally, I’d like to wish you well for a relaxing and refreshing break and a great festive season. See you in the new year – ready to go!
Ngā mihi nui,
Lynda Stuart
On behalf of the PPCA bargaining team