PPTA calls for calm

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Media Release

14 June 2002

PPTA calls for calm

Post Primary Teachers’ Association president Jen McCutcheon today called for calm from secondary school students following riots.

“While we acknowledge and thank them for their support, we are extremely concerned for the wellbeing and safety of students taking part in riots. We simply cannot condone the action especially when there is the possibility that someone will get hurt,” Mrs McCutcheon said.

‘We never envisaged things would go this far. Our members around the country are very concerned about the anarchy that has hit the streets,” Mrs McCutcheon said.

“We realise the effect our industrial action is having on students. We know they are concerned at the withdrawal by their teachers from extra-curricular activities, but people have to realise that this work is being done purely on the goodwill of teachers. They are not paid for this work.”

Mrs McCutcheon said she had met with Education Minister Trevor Mallard today in a bid to progress matters.

“We have been working behind the scenes to get a decent settlement package from Mr Mallard and are hoping to progress that. We will be talking to our members about this next week,” Mrs McCutcheon said.

“The thing to do is to settle this dispute. Quick progress in this respect would see the action called off as early as next week.”

“The Government needs to take responsibility for this situation. It has the ability to halt this action in an instant by giving teachers the pay they deserve. How long is the Government prepared to let this situation carry on?”

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