Strike not teachers’ first rodeo: union

Otago Boys' High School and John McGlashan College year 9 students (back from left) Max McLean, 14, George Donaldson, 14, Henry Begg, 13, Freddie Ryan, 14, Ryley Buchan, 14, (front from left) Conor Hurst, 14, Mayson Kingi, 14, Billy Aitken, 13, sit in George St during the teacher's strike yesterday. Photo: Peter McIntosh

Striking feels like the new standard, the regional chairman for the teacher’s union says.

Seven days of industrial action began yesterday as students in years 7 and 9 were rostered home across the nation.

Educational staff from Otago joined 21,000 school teachers from across the country in refusing to teach the year levels, to negotiate better pay with the government.

PPTA Otago regional chairman Kussi Hurtado-Stuart said everyone knew what they were doing and it felt "a bit standard to be honest".

It was the second time this year teachers had been on strike and the notices to parents were ready to go from the school’s side.

"The parent community already knew and were supportive of what we were doing."

Kussi Hurtado-Stuart. File photo: Gerard O'Brien

He did not think Education Minister Erica Stanford’s sentiment that parents should be furious at the strike was shared by many.

"As a union representative, I have not received any of those comments."

He said teachers would rather be in the classroom than striking, but the latest offer from the government was not one they could accept.

PPTA president Chris Abercrombie said the government had presented the union with an offer for settlement of the Secondary Teachers’ Collective Agreement that was below current and projected rates of inflation.

It included two pay rises - 2.5% after settlement and 2% 12 months after that - but no more until after the next bargaining started.

The offer also ignored teachers’ claims for more pastoral staffing to help the increasing number of students who had health and emotional needs.

Year 9 students from Otago Boys’ High School and John McGlashan College took advantage of their day off yesterday and enjoyed the sun in George St.

One said the day had been great, pretty fun and it was good to take some time off school.

"It’s really good to just take a day to deep dive into how we’re really feeling."

Another said it was great to have the opportunity to socialise with girls from other schools.

The strike continues today with year 8 and 10 students rostered home.