Collective Agreement Nzei

A collective agreement, as the name suggests, is an agreement reached by a group of employees who are usually represented by a union. In New Zealand, the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) is the largest union representing primary and early childhood teachers and support staff.

A collective agreement sets out the terms and conditions of employment for the employees covered by the agreement. This includes wages, hours of work, leave entitlements, and other benefits. The agreement is legally binding and enforceable by law.

The NZEI collective agreement covers over 50,000 members across the country. It is negotiated with the Ministry of Education and the School Boards` Association and is updated every few years. The most recent agreement was reached in 2019 and will remain in place until December 2022.

One of the key features of the NZEI collective agreement is its focus on workload and well-being. The agreement includes provisions for reducing workload, providing support for teachers` and support staffs` mental health and well-being, and improving access to professional development opportunities.

The agreement also includes provisions for pay increases. Under the current agreement, teachers and support staff have received a cumulative pay increase of 12.6% since 2017. This includes a 3% increase in 2020 and another 3% increase in 2021.

In addition to pay increases, the agreement also includes additional funding for supporting children with additional learning needs, as well as for professional development and support for new teachers.

Overall, the NZEI collective agreement is an important tool for ensuring fair and equitable working conditions for primary and early childhood teachers and support staff in New Zealand. It provides a framework for negotiating with employers and ensuring that the rights and interests of employees are protected.