Schools and kindergartens around New Zealand have closed as 50,000 teachers and principals go on strike to demand improved pay and working conditions (Source: NZEI Te Riu Roa’s Facebook page).

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND — Around 50,000 teachers in New Zealand went on strike on Thursday, after union talks with the Ministry of Education aimed at improving salaries and conditions stalled.

Teachers demanding better pay waved placards declaring “can’t afford the dentist” and “too poor to print good signs” as the one-day strike forced kindergartens as well as primary and secondary schools to close across the country.

Trade unions argued that the government’s latest pay offer did not match inflation and that the education sector is at a “crisis point” due to teacher shortages.

“A quality education is a fundamental human right,” Chris Abercrombie from the Post Primary Teachers’ Association said.

“Tragically, as teachers, we are seeing that right being slowly, and surely, undermined.”

Improvements to teacher salaries and working conditions are essential to keep experienced staff and recruit graduates, he said.

Teachers “want to send a message to the government about how serious we are about needing change”, said Mark Potter, president of the New Zealand Educational Institute.

“We all want the best for our students but without changes to the system we can’t give it to them.”

Education Minister Jan Tinetti said she was disappointed to see teachers strike and wanted the dispute resolved quickly.

The cost of living has become a major political issue in New Zealand, as the government struggles to keep a lid on inflation.

Recent figures have suggested that New Zealand’s economy is shrinking, fuelling fears of a looming recession.

— AFP

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
You May Also Like

Scientists in China believe new drug can stop pandemic 'without vaccine'

by Qian Ye and Matthew Knight A Chinese laboratory has been developing…

China’s Wang to visit South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya and Turkey

China’s top diplomat, Wang Yi, will visit South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Turkey, attending the 13th BRICS high representatives’ meeting and strengthening China’s presence in Africa for equitable global governance.

New Zealand opens travel bubble to Pacific workers

Seasonal workers from selected Pacific countries will be allowed into New Zealand…