Primary school teachers to strike

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 538, 12 July 1994, Page 8

Primary school teachers to strike

Primary school teachers around the country prepare to strike tomorrow, Wednesday 13 July, to call attention to the pay discrepancy that exists between primary and secondary school teachers. Raetihi School spokesperson Myra Crowley said normal duties will be postponed at the school while 1 5 teachers, including principal Grant Fountain, attend various mass meetings around the region. Similarly in other schools in the Waimarino including Ohakune and Waiouru, the doors will be closed for the day. Mrs Crowley said that the action is supported by the school's Board of Trustees and parents of pupils, who were notified last month of the possibility of strike action. Staff and board have made a collective effort to writeto Lockwood Smith, Prime Minister Jim Bolger and Bill Birch. Information released by the central region NZEI rep Te Riu Roa, said primary teachers are paid 12% less than secondary teachers with the same qualifications and years of service. They argue that pay parity would only add 0.7% to the total education vote and are encouraging parents of primary school-aged children to support primary I teachers by: letting their | local school know of their support; writing to local | MP's; informing the Board of Trustees; and writing to community newspapers.