Central’s teachers are taking part in a national strike tomorrow (Thursday March 16), joining 50,000 other school and kindergarten teachers.

Local teachers who are members of the Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA) and the Educational Institute (NZEI) have rejected the Education Ministry's offer of a $6,000 pay rise over two years.

The goal is to call on the government to take action to get behind educators so they can better support the tamariki they teach, the union said.

Primary school teachers’ previous award (minimum standard for industry pay) expired at the end of June, and negotiations have been ongoing with the Ministry of Education since.

The PPTA said late last year that industrial action was possible.

RNZ reported in November that teachers felt “insulted” by the offer, which represented about half the increase the teacher unions (the PPTA and the NZEI) are seeking for most teachers.

Local schools will be closing on Thursday so that teachers can attend the rallies, meaning  parents and caregivers will have to arrange childcare for their children.

NZEI teachers, principals and supporters will meet, together with PPTA members at Alexandra’s Pioneer Park at 11am to “make some noise for education”. 

A similar meeting is on at the Cromwell & Districts Presbyterian Church at 10.30am.

Auckland’s Mt Roskill teachers illustrate their response to the government’s offer last year

Kelly Club (an afterschool care and holiday programme provider) has opened for the day providing an option for local families in Cromwell and Alexandra. 

The strike means back-to-back short weeks for learners as Monday March 20 is Otago Anniversary Day and another closed day for schools in the region.