Union Reaction Predictable

Union Reaction Predictable

“The NZEI’s criticism of the generous childcare rebate proposed by the National Party was highly predictable” said Sue Thorne, Chief Executive Officer, Early Childhood Council.

Despite the fact that the National Party policy provides more money, for more families, sooner than the Labour Party’s discriminatory 20 hours free ECE, the union’s anti-private enterprise bias stops them from accepting this as fairer and better for families.

“It seems only the union would support wasteful use of taxpayer money on the 20 free hours policy which will be a bureaucratic nightmare and only benefit a privileged few” said Mrs Thorne.

Ironically, it would seem the National Party policy is considerably more socialist, more equitable and more generous. With equal irony the teachers union opposes it because it provides too much benefit for working parents!

The Labour Government announced 20 hours free ECE for 3 and 4 year olds in their 2004 Budget against the advice of their own officials and without consultation with the ECE sector. The policy has proven to be ill-considered and poorly designed, with recent condemnation from the OECD being added to serious local concerns about this policy.

“Once again NZEI has demonstrated that they are more interested in policies that fit with their ideology, than they are concerned for New Zealand children” said Mrs Thorne.

ENDS

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