South Otago school support staff and supporters, who held placards calling for pay rises outside Clutha-Southland MP Bill English's Balclutha electorate office yesterday, say they were shocked and disappointed at being shut out of the building.
The 19-strong group of teacher aides, librarians, nurses, office managers and sports co-ordinators were calling on the Government to reactivate stalled pay talks with the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) and other unions.
They were carrying letters and pledges of support from school communities.
Members staged the 15-minute gathering to raise public awareness of their campaign.
The gathering came as Mr English made a rare visit to Balclutha yesterday as the country's acting leader.
South Otago NZEI president Carol Fitzgerald said Mr English was not available to meet them.
Two representatives asked Balclutha electorate secretary Allison McLeary to open the locked door so they could present Mr English with their pledges of support.
"The members were not allowed into the office but the door was opened wide enough to slide the documentation through," Mrs Fitzgerald saidShe said many support workers earned as little as $12.94 an hour - just above the minimum wage of $12.50.
"I do believe the public and perhaps those sitting in power may not realise the benefit this group collectively bring to enhancing the education of our children."
Support workers were historically underpaid and felt the recession should not be used as an excuse to offer a 0% pay rise, she said.
When contacted, Mr English's office declined to comment on the issue last night.
Despite the protest, Mr English would probably have enjoyed his time in Balclutha , far away from the controversy over accommodation benefits that has plagued the Finance Minister all week.
It is the second time Mr English has visited Balclutha in the role of acting prime minister. The first was shortly after last year's election.
Prime Minister John Key is attending the Pacific Islands forum.
Mr English's time in Balclutha started with an address to a special senior assembly at South Otago High School, before he had morning tea with staff and prefects.
He was then briefed on the school's plans to build a new technology centre, before meeting constituents in his Balclutha electorate office.
Mr English opened the new Gore National Bank branch in the afternoon before opening an exhibition at the Eastern Southland Gallery last night.
