ECS – IMPORTANT NOTICE | STRIKE DAY Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Industrial Action – Tuesday 9th May 2023 (next week)

Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,

As you are aware the Teachers Collective Employment Contract which covers our Emmanuel teaching staff has been expired since the middle of last year.  In March the country experienced a nationwide strike of teachers across all sectors (Primary, Secondary and Area Schools) for the first time ever.

NZEI Te Rui Roa the union which represents Primary School Teachers has continued to  negotiate with the government with regards to the Area School Teachers’ Collective agreement (‘ASTCA’).  As of today, there is still no offer on the table with regards to the ASTCA.  This agreement is has now been expired for 10 Months.

Members of NZEI across the country covered by this collective have been balloted with regards to taking strike action.  NZEI have indicated to Boards of Trustees indicating that South Island members will be on strike for the entire day of Tuesday 9^th May (next week). (Other regions will be on Strike later that week)

Given the impact of this on Emmanuel Christian School we wanted to let you know our plans for this day.  Most of our teaching staff are members of the union and will not be available to teach their classes on the day of the strike.

Due to this on Tuesday 9^th May, Emmanuel Christian School will be closed for instruction for the day.   We would ask you to make arrangements to have your children looked after away from school.

The School Cross Country planned for this day will now occur on Thursday 11^th May.

For year 10 parents the parents night planned for Tuesday will not go ahead, further information will be provided over the coming days.

We are aware that for some families finding appropriate care for your child(ren) may be impossible.  We will have a small number of non-union staff on site and will be able to provide supervision to support you if required.  If you are in this situation, please complete this form so that we can plan and ensure we have appropriate supervision in place. Please remember this is only for where it is not possible for you to find any alternative arrangements.

Supervision Request Form

We will keep you advised of any changes as these become known.  Negotiations are ongoing this week and a late change is always a possibility.

We continue to ask that you pray for the school, the staff and for the ongoing negotiations.

Ngā mihi nui

Alistair