NZEI Agreements: Understanding the Basics
The New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) is one of the largest education unions in the country. It represents more than 50,000 primary and secondary teachers, support staff, and early childhood teachers. Among its key functions is to negotiate collective agreements on behalf of its members to ensure that they receive fair pay and conditions.
Collective agreements (also known as employment agreements) are legally binding documents that outline the terms and conditions of employment, including pay rates, working hours, leave entitlements, and other benefits. These agreements are negotiated between the union and the employer (usually the Ministry of Education or a particular school board).
NZEI has negotiated several collective agreements over the years, each with its own unique features and provisions. In this article, we will explore some of the key NZEI agreements in more detail.
Primary Teachers Collective Agreement (PTCA)
The PTCA is the agreement that covers primary school teachers. It sets out the terms and conditions of employment for teachers and principals in primary schools, as well as support staff such as teacher aides and clerical staff. The most recent version of the PTCA was negotiated in 2019 and will be in force until 2022.
Among the key features of the PTCA are pay increases, which are set out in a pay scale that reflects teachers` experience and qualifications. There are also provisions for professional development, leave entitlements, and sick leave.
Secondary Teachers Collective Agreement (STCA)
The STCA is the agreement that covers secondary school teachers. It was last negotiated in 2019 and will be in force until 2022. The STCA is similar to the PTCA and covers all secondary school teachers, including those working in integrated schools and kura kaupapa.
The STCA also includes a pay scale that reflects teachers` experience and qualifications. It provides for professional development, leave entitlements, and sick leave.
Early Childhood Education Collective Agreement (ECECA)
The ECECA is the agreement that covers early childhood teachers. It was last negotiated in 2019 and will be in force until 2022. The ECECA covers teachers working in kindergartens, playcentres, and other early childhood education centres.
The ECECA includes provisions for pay increases, professional development, and leave entitlements. It also includes specific provisions for non-contact time, which allows teachers to prepare for their teaching duties.
Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement (SSSCA)
The SSSCA is the agreement that covers support staff in schools. It covers a wide range of roles, including teacher aides, administration staff, librarians, and maintenance staff. The most recent version of the SSSCA was negotiated in 2019 and will be in force until 2022.
The SSSCA includes provisions for pay increases, professional development, and leave entitlements. It also includes specific provisions for health and safety, which is particularly important for support staff who work in potentially hazardous environments.
In conclusion, NZEI agreements are an essential part of the education system in New Zealand. They are negotiated on behalf of teachers and support staff and provide a framework for fair pay and conditions. If you are an education worker in New Zealand, it is important to understand the NZEI agreements that apply to your role and to ensure that your employer is abiding by their terms.