The current pay rates and conditions of secondary teachers are not significantly enhanced by the 2010 Claim. To attract and retain quality teachers pay and conditions need to be significantly improved or the state education sector will decline. This is already happening in countries like the USA. Employers, CEO s and Govt argue that their substantial remuneration packages are necessary to attract and retain the best person for the job. The same argument carries for teachers etc.

By arguing this I am not saying that we, teachers, want to get ahead at the expense of the other sectors of the workforce because we are more deserving. PPTA members need to support other workers seeking improved pay and conditions or fighting against layoffs. One of the best supports we, as union members, can give to other workers or unemployed is to build a climate of militancy. Such a climate would give other sectors of the workforce the confidence to fight for their real needs.

Adaire Hannah, Wellington High School PPTA branch