Central primary and area schools are juggling hours and classes tomorrow as teachers and members of New Zealand Education Institute (NZEI) Te Riu Roa are attending a paid union meeting.

In Alexandra the meeting, on March 21, from 9am to 10am at the Skird St Memorial Hall. In Cromwell the meeting will take place from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at the Cromwell and Districts Presbyterian Church.

NZEI’s website states that the meeting is for members to take a stand for the professional practice and expertise of teachers to be recognised and fairly valued through Mana Taurite/ pay equity. 

Parents are advised to check school newsletters and information about respective school arrangements.

Some schools have a planned late start and others are combining classrooms during meeting times to enable teachers to attend. 

These are paid union meetings as set out in the Employment Relations Act.

NZEI Te Riu Roa members covered by the primary and area school teachers collective agreements are entitled to be released to attend. NZEI Te Riu Roa is the largest education sector union in New Zealand.

The collective is made up of the 50,000 principals, teachers and support staff who work in primary, area and secondary schools as well as early childhood centres, special education and school advisory services.