Hundreds of early childhood kaiako (teachers) and kaimahi (staff) are expected to meet around Aotearoa this week, calling on their MPs and communities to help protect their sector from future Government cuts and further deregulation.
Hosted and run by NZEI Te Riu Roa members, the union meetings are open to community and will address key concerns such as the importance of keeping the pay parity scheme for early childhood teachers.
Members will ask MPs to pledge to protect, value, and respect the mahi of all those who work in early childhood and the tamariki they care for.
Early childhood kaiako and kaimahi have repeatedly voiced fears about the Government’s current agenda – putting the needs of business ahead of the needs of tamariki.
Meetings run until Friday 24 May.
Note to editors:
Meetings of note in Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Whanganui-a-Tara:
Tuesday 14 May, 4pm-5pm, Mt Roskill, Auckland
Wednesday 15 May, 4pm-5pm, Thorndon, Wellington
Up to 100 are expected at each event, with a mix of MPs from major parties attending. Union members will be available for interview. Photo opportunities with MPs during pledge signing and members with custom-made giant photo frames.
Recent media releases
-
Changes to Equal Pay Act a shocking blow to women and education
The majority of workers in education are women and many were involved in pay equity claims or reviews that have been torpedoed by the Government’s move.
-
ECE changes roll back decades of progress for kids
The changes will reduce the quality of education provided
-
$2.5b investment needed to stop tamariki sitting on learning support wait lists
The Government needs to invest $2.5 billion in learning support services by 2030 to stop children in need sitting on learning support waiting lists, education union NZEI Te Riu…