Latest news with #BrianRoche
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Secondary teachers union rejects one of lowest pay offers ever
Photo: 123RF The secondary teachers union has rejected a pay offer of 1 percent a year for three years. RNZ understands it is one of the lowest offers ever made to secondary teachers. The offer to members of the Post Primary Teachers Association amounts to a three percent pay rise over three years. That is well below the 14.5 percent over three years won through arbitration in 2023 and the average 10 percent over three years the union's members grudgingly accepted in 2019. Both of those settlements also included lump sum payments. The government's offer this year also sought to increase the number of days outside term time that schools can require teachers to come to work from 10 to 20 each year. The Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche, was overseeing this year's negotiations. In May he announced he would retain the responsibility usually delegated to the Education Ministry. "My rationale for this decision is influenced by the wider objective of overseeing collective bargaining and managing fiscal pressures across the public sector," he said at the time. Sir Brian was disappointed the PPTA had rejected the pay offer and urged the union to reconsider. He said the offer was carefully crafted to recognise the contribution teachers make while ensuring it was affordable for taxpayers in a difficult economic times. "The offer on the table represented a 3 percent increase over three years, on top of annual pay progression of between 4.5 percent and 7.5 percent," he said. "For many secondary teachers, this equates to pay increases between $3100 and $8000 a year, with regular annual progression included. Over three years the offer provides increases of between $1850 to $3123, or between $7275 and $15250 with annual pay progression. "The economic environment and the government's fiscal position are very difficult. Every additional dollar spent must be weighed against what is sustainable and fair to all New Zealanders. "I am open to continued dialogue and am committed to reaching a settlement that supports teachers, students, and our public school system." Post Primary Teachers Association President Chris Abercrombie, told Morning Report , he believed teachers deserved an agreement that reflected their skills. "We've got immense change in our sector right now and we need a qualified suitable workforce to implement that change." Abercrombie said it had been 30 years since they had seen this happen. Education Minister Erica Stanford said she was disappointed the offer was not put to members. Education Minister Erica Stanford on a school visit in May. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown "I was surprised that the offer wasn't put to their members. That was disappointing ... it wasn't unexpected because they don't often make that first offer available to their members. I thought it was a reasonable offer. It should have been put to the members, and it was disappointing that it wasn't." She said it was not unusual for the Public Service Commissioner to be involved in negotiations, and entirely appropriate. "The education team at the moment, as you know, are undertaking an enormous reform package that is bigger than anything we've seen in a long time, and we are focused on that, and having the Public Service Commissioner do the bargaining means that we are free to continue to undertake our huge reform package, and he's the right man for the job. "It was just a discussion that we all had: who is best for doing the job, given the amount of work we've got underway at the moment." She said provisional figures showed the largest increase in teacher numbers in 20 years. "We've had 27 percent increase in those who are training at initial teacher education this year, last year, it was 6 percent ... we are world leading in our reforms and if you take a look at the numbers in terms of retention it shows you that yes some people are moving to Australia but not on the numbers that people are saying." The Educational Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI) started negotiation of the primary teachers collective agreement last month. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
6 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Secondary teachers union rejects one of lowest pay offer ever
Photo: 123RF The secondary teachers union has rejected a pay offer of 1 percent a year for three years. RNZ understands it is one of the lowest offers ever made to secondary teachers. The offer to members of the Post Primary Teachers Association amounts to a three percent pay rise over three years. That is well below the 14.5 percent over three years won through arbitration in 2023 and the average 10 percent over three years the union's members grudgingly accepted in 2019. Both of those settlements also included lump sum payments. The government's offer this year also sought to increase the number of days outside term time that schools can require teachers to come to work from 10 to 20 each year. The Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche, was overseeing this year's negotiations. In May he announced he would retain the responsibility usually delegated to the Education Ministry. "My rationale for this decision is influenced by the wider objective of overseeing collective bargaining and managing fiscal pressures across the public sector," he said at the time. Sir Brian was disappointed the PPTA had rejected the pay offer and urged the union to reconsider. He said the offer was carefully crafted to recognise the contribution teachers make while ensuring it was affordable for taxpayers in a difficult economic times. "The offer on the table represented a 3 percent increase over three years, on top of annual pay progression of between 4.5 percent and 7.5 percent," he said. "For many secondary teachers, this equates to pay increases between $3100 and $8000 a year, with regular annual progression included. Over three years the offer provides increases of between $1850 to $3123, or between $7275 and $15250 with annual pay progression. "The economic environment and the government's fiscal position are very difficult. Every additional dollar spent must be weighed against what is sustainable and fair to all New Zealanders. "I am open to continued dialogue and am committed to reaching a settlement that supports teachers, students, and our public school system." Post Primary Teachers Association President Chris Abercrombie, told Morning Report , he believed teachers deserved an agreement that reflected their skills. "We've got immense change in our sector right now and we need a qualified suitable workforce to implement that change." Abercrombie said it had been 30 years since they had seen this happen. Education Minister Erica Stanford said she was disappointed the offer was not put to members. Education Minister Erica Stanford on a school visit in May. Photo: RNZ / Tim Brown "I was surprised that the offer wasn't put to their members. That was disappointing ... it wasn't unexpected because they don't often make that first offer available to their members. I thought it was a reasonable offer. It should have been put to the members, and it was disappointing that it wasn't." She said it was not unusual for the Public Service Commissioner to be involved in negotiations, and entirely appropriate. "The education team at the moment, as you know, are undertaking an enormous reform package that is bigger than anything we've seen in a long time, and we are focused on that, and having the Public Service Commissioner do the bargaining means that we are free to continue to undertake our huge reform package, and he's the right man for the job. "It was just a discussion that we all had: who is best for doing the job, given the amount of work we've got underway at the moment." She said provisional figures showed the largest increase in teacher numbers in 20 years. "We've had 27 percent increase in those who are training at initial teacher education this year, last year, it was 6 percent ... we are world leading in our reforms and if you take a look at the numbers in terms of retention it shows you that yes some people are moving to Australia but not on the numbers that people are saying." The Educational Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI) started negotiation of the primary teachers collective agreement last month. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Secondary teachers union rejects pay offer
The secondary teachers union has rejected a pay offer of one percent a year for three years. RNZ understands it is one of the lowest offers ever made to secondary teachers. The offer to members of the Post Primary Teachers Association amounts to a three percent pay rise over three years. That is well below the 14.5 percent over three years won through arbitration in 2023 and the average 10 percent over three years the union's members grudgingly accepted in 2019. Both of those settlements also included lump sum payments. The government's offer this year also sought to increase the number of days outside term time that schools can require teachers to come to work from 10 to 20 each year. The Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche, was overseeing this year's negotiations. In May he announced he would retain the responsibility usually delegated to the Education Ministry. "My rationale for this decision is influenced by the wider objective of overseeing collective bargaining and managing fiscal pressures across the public sector," he said at the time. Sir Brian was disappointed the PPTA had rejected the pay offer and urged the union to reconsider. He said the offer was carefully crafted to recognise the contribution teachers make while ensuring it was affordable for taxpayers in a difficult economic times. "The offer on the table represented a 3 percent increase over three years, on top of annual pay progression of between 4.5 percent and 7.5 percent," he said. "For many secondary teachers, this equates to pay increases between $3100 and $8000 a year, with regular annual progression included. Over three years the offer provides increases of between $1850 to $3123, or between $7275 and $15250 with annual pay progression. "The economic environment and the government's fiscal position are very difficult. Every additional dollar spent must be weighed against what is sustainable and fair to all New Zealanders. "I am open to continued dialogue and am committed to reaching a settlement that supports teachers, students, and our public school system." Post Primary Teachers Association President Chris Abercrombie, told Morning Report, he believed teachers deserved an agreement that reflected their skills. "We've got immense change in our sector right now and we need a qualified suitable workforce to implement that change." Abercrombie said it had been 30 years since they had seen this happen. The Educational Institute Te Riu Roa (NZEI) started negotiation of the primary teachers collective agreement last month.
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Almost 1/3 Of Public Servants Self-Censor On Misconduct
Almost one in three (30%) public servants do not agree they are 'safe to speak up about wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour in the workplace', according to the recent Public Service Census. Self-censorship like this, at times based on fear of reprisals, is an ominous chord to sound from the heart of our public service, says Jonathan Ayling, Chief Executive of the Free Speech Union. "The public service plays an important role in serving our society and democracy, yet when 30% of public servants fear speaking up and challenging wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour, we must question what sort of culture prevails. When else are public servants silent when they should speak? 'The Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche, claims 'good leadership isn't necessarily about deep, technical knowledge. It's the ability to get the confidence and trust of others.' This is impossible in contexts where individuals self-censor in fear. 'Free speech is not simply a vague, abstract right that allows individuals to speak without fear of the government. More importantly, it is the belief that every individual's voice matters and that they have a contribution to make, not least of all in the face of potential wrongdoing. Injustice and abuse thrive in silence. 'The Free Speech Union looks forward to reviewing the action plans that the Commissioner has required as a result of this survey, and the steps the Chief Executives will take to address self-censorship among public servants.'
Scoop
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Public Service Census Results Released
The latest Public Service Census results released today will be used to lift performance, improve efficiency and build on solid foundations. The Public Service Census is a regular survey of New Zealand public servants working in departments, ministries and departmental agencies. The 2025 Census ran from 3-21 March and included questions on productivity, delivery and integrity. Over 44,000 public servants from 40 agencies shared their feedback and ideas for improving the performance of the public service. Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche said public servants have provided constructive feedback that will benefit the public service and taxpayers. 'Public servants have given us a lot to reflect on,' says Sir Brian. 'Overall, I am encouraged by the results. We've also been given clear signals on where we need to improve. My expectation is that individual public service chief executives will listen to what their staff have said, consider it, and either action it or justify why not.' The survey identified areas where the public service is performing well, with 87% of public servants feeling they contribute to delivering better outcomes for New Zealanders and 80% believe their work provides value for taxpayers. More than 90% of public servants believe their team has been at least moderately successful achieving objectives in the last 12 months. Other encouraging results: 95% of public servants have a good understanding of what it means to be politically neutral 91% say it's important to them that the agency where they work is open and transparent with the public 87% believe their agency is working for the long-term good of New Zealand. The census also highlights a number of issues public servants believe are hindering high performance: inefficient decision making is a problem (75%) complicated or unnecessary business processes (73%) high work volumes and insufficient staff (82%) poor communication between teams (69%) low appetite for risk/innovation (68%). Other results identifying areas for improvement: 57% believe senior leaders clearly articulate the direction and priorities for their organisation 51% believe suggestions to improve workplace efficiency or productivity are taken seriously and acted on 60% of managers say they have support from their agency to manage or improve staff performance that is not meeting expectations. While about 80% of public servants felt accepted and valued, and comfortable being themselves at work, 12% said they had experienced harassment or bullying in the past year. 70% of public servants felt it was safe to speak up about wrongdoing or inappropriate behaviour, with 15% disagreeing it was safe to speak up. 'Some of these results are very positive and provide a good base upon which we position for the future,' says Sir Brian. 'Like any organisation or business, the public service is always looking for ways to improve. 'The census is about listening to the people who work in the system, whether it be on the frontline or behind the scenes. Their insights are vital to lifting performance, delivery and culture, and it's important we listen and respond to their feedback. 'Improving how we work isn't just good for staff – it's essential for delivering better results for taxpayers and optimising the investment they have made in the system.'
