PTA calls off strike in Canterbury

PTA calls off strike in Canterbury

In a gesture of goodwill for communities in quake-stricken Canterbury PPTA has called off next week’s strike in the region.

Last night PPTA’s executive voted unanimously to exempt Canterbury from the September 15 strike to help support residents as they try to rebuild, president Kate Gainsford said.

“We understand that schools will already be closed for a number of days and that some may not reopen for at least a week. Exempting our Canterbury colleagues from industrial action is a way for us to help restore the community to some sort of normality,” she said.

Gainsford appreciated that there were members in the region who were prepared to join the strike but executive felt students’ need for safety and stability outweighed that, Gainsford said.

The strike will continue, as arranged, everywhere else, she said.

PPTA has already pledged the association’s support for its Canterbury colleagues and has resources available to assist affected members if needed.

She also urged teachers in quake affected areas to stay away from schools until the all clear was given by the medical officer of health.

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