The PSA Ministry of Education Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know

The Public Service Association (PSA) recently negotiated a collective agreement with the Ministry of Education in New Zealand. The agreement covers over 2,000 staff in the education sector, including school administration, clerical, and support staff.

But what does this mean for educators and students? Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Salary increases: The agreement includes salary increases of 2% per year, which will be backdated to July 1st, 2020. This means that staff members can expect to see more money in their paychecks.

2. Professional development: The agreement also includes a provision for professional development, with $120,000 set aside for training opportunities. This will allow staff to improve their skills and knowledge, ultimately benefiting students.

3. Job security: The agreement provides job security for staff members, as it includes protections against redundancies and outsourcing.

4. Health and safety: The agreement includes provisions to ensure the health and safety of staff, such as providing ergonomic assessments for those who work at computer stations.

5. Leave entitlements: The agreement also includes provisions for leave entitlements, such as parental leave, sick leave, and bereavement leave.

Overall, the PSA Ministry of Education Collective Agreement is a positive development for staff members in the education sector. It provides increased salary, professional development opportunities, job security, and protections for health and safety. This, in turn, will benefit students by ensuring that staff members are supported and able to provide high-quality education.

As we navigate the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to support our educators and ensure that they have the resources they need to continue providing education to our children. The PSA Ministry of Education Collective Agreement is one step in that direction.