Media Statement

Monday June 10 2002

Alliance responds to rejection of teachers’ pay deal

Alliance leader Laila Harré has said that the rejection of the settlement negotiated with the PPTA for secondary school teachers will put quality education and state sector wages at the top of the election campaign agenda.

“The election will be New Zealanders’ chance to show how much they value teachers, education and other social services.”

“The Alliance has always argued for more money for education and more money for teachers. We have always fronted up with a budget that could pay for it.”

“Government and PPTA negotiators made the best deal they could within available funds. Teachers have said that it is not enough.”

The Alliance is asking teachers and other state sector workers what they think about its proposal to automatically adjust pay by the rate of inflation each year.

“This would mean that people wouldn’t have to strike to protect the value of their wages. It would mean that unions would bargain over real wage increases.”

“Getting enough for the highest quality health and education services and getting enough to end child poverty will mean spending more money. It is time we made up our minds about what we really value.”

“Only the Alliance will back its demands for higher spending in these areas with the budget to pay for it” said Laila Harré.

ENDS

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