News

Up to 79% pay rise for edu sector, union celebrates

The latest pay equity settlements – for kaiārahi i te reo and school administrators – were reached in June with the Ministry of Education, and affected employees are due to receive their first pay at the new equitable rates on Tuesday (18 Oct.).

NZEI Te Riu Roa pay equity negotiation team member and school administrator Julie-Anne Roberts is celebrating the win on Tuesday, but knows many of her education sector colleagues are still awaiting redress.

Finally, those who enter the school administrator profession can do so knowing their work is valued. It’s now our turn to get behind the pay equity claims of our colleagues.”

NZEI Te Riu Roa President Liam Rutherford said NZEI Te Riu Roa members had won four of the just seven pay equity claims settled under the Act.

“It’s astounding that just seven successful claims have been settled – four by NZEI Te Riu Roa members – so there’s clearly much greater urgency needed to fix long-standing sex-based discrimination.”

The four pay equity claims won by NZEI Te Riu Roa members have been for education support workers (2018), teacher aides (2020), kaiārahi i te reo (2022), and school administrators (2022).

An amendment to the Equal Pay Act was the catalyst for more unions to raise pay equity claims for female-dominated workforces. At midnight on 6 November 2020, as the amendment came into effect, NZEI Te Riu Roa raised claims for science technicians, librarians, therapists, education advisors, kindergarten support staff, psychologists, service managers, and teachers.

“Redress can’t come fast enough for any undervalued female-dominated workforce in this country,” says Liam Rutherford.

“The pay equity process is fundamental in ensuring all women in the education sector are not just paid appropriately, but also valued and respected in their mahi. Evidence uncovered in our four completed claims has been stark but has proven what we already knew to be true.”

Mr Rutherford said work on claims for science technicians, librarians, therapists, education advisors, kindergarten support staff, psychologists, service managers, and teachers was ongoing alongside the Ministry.

“While 50 years of the Act is a time to reflect on the wins we’ve had, it’s important to remember how far we still have to go,” he said.

“I’d hope our political leaders recognise that and treat it with more urgency.”

School News

School News is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.

Recent Posts

Study strategies to teach your students

These study strategies can help students maximise their time for no-stress study sessions. Help your…

5 days ago

Charter school legislation violates international labour rights, say unions

Teaching unions have jointly submitted a complaint about new charter school legislation to the International…

5 days ago

What can you do if you think your teen already has unhealthy social media habits?

Is your teen or young person exhibiting problematic social media use? Researchers from Australia explain…

5 days ago

Protecting educational spaces

Say good bye to jangling bunches of keys! Modern solutions are improving school security, and…

5 days ago

Keeping score, digitally

Digital scoreboards can keep the crowd excited and players motivated during sports matches, and can…

5 days ago

Neurodivergent learners in Aotearoa

“Our brains are different, but they’re not less,” —Tom Little, Young Neurodiversity Champion.  

2 weeks ago