Many local primary schools are closing early today (Wednesday May 31) to enable teachers to attend a paid union meeting (May 31).

Members of the largest teachers’ union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, are meeting in Central from approximately 1pm, meaning families with young children need to pick them up early from school.

The teachers are expected to review the terms of a revised offer from the government today, which was initially going to be a day of industrial action. The proposed strike for May 31 was called off on Sunday May 28.

If the offer is rejected union members will vote on whether industrial action starts again, with strikes starting in mid-June at the earliest. 

Kelly Club, now operating at The Terrace School in Alexandra, is offering after school care for families who need to make alternative arrangements. 

In newsletters to parents, teachers acknowledged the early closure was short notice and disruptive to families and workplaces and said they were grateful to families for their support.