Kindergarten Teachers Seek First Exemption

Kindergarten Teachers Seek First Exemption From 90 Day Trial Periods

The education sector union NZEI Te Riu Roa is seeking to ensure kindergarten teachers do not face a 90 day trial period when they start a new job.

The kindergarten teachers' claim, lodged yesterday, will be the first employment claim to respond to the National Government's controversial 90 Day legislation.

Under the new law, rushed through Parliament without any public consultation before Christmas, an employer need give no reason for firing someone in any worksite of less than 20 people within the first 90 days of their employment.

NZEI's National Secretary Paul Goulter says the union believes the 90 Day legislation is unfair and unjust to workers and has serious implications for the education sector where recruitment is a major challenge.

Through the claim, NZEI will be seeking the agreement of the Ministry of Education and kindergarten associations that a 90 day trial period is neither necessary nor desirable, and will not be contained in the kindergarten teachers' agreement.

Marion Dekker, a kindergarten head teacher from Tauranga on the NZEI negotiating team says: "Many teachers move to gain promotion and develop their career. They'll be reluctant to go to a new job if there is no certainty of employment."

"Small kindergarten associations in rural areas which already find it hard to attract and retain staff will find it even more difficult. This legislation is counterproductive for good employment and ultimately, for children's learning, if it exacerbates the teacher shortage."

Bargaining of the kindergarten claim is due to begin in early February.

ENDS

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