26 May 2010

Teachers ask Govt to close pay gap with Australia

5:00 pm on 26 May 2010

The primary teachers' union has called on the Government to narrow the income gap with Australia by increasing their pay by 4%.

The Educational Institute announced its pay claim for primary school teachers and principals on Wednesday.

The 4% matches the pay rise the PPTA is seeking for secondary teachers.

The Educational Institute says New Zealand loses about 600 teachers a year to Australia, where starting salaries are up to $NZ20,000 higher.

The claim includes a 4% increase in July, with a second increase linked to the Consumer Price Index next year.

The union's negotiating leader, Frances Guy, says it is time for the Government to take action on its vision of closing the gap with Australia.

Negotiations with the Ministry of Education are expected to start in June.