CTU stands in solidarity with teachers

CTU stands in solidarity with teachers

• March 11, 2026March 11, 2026

NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey is supporting NZEI Te Riu Roa and calling on Public Service Commissioner Brian Roche to back down from his plans to offer individual employment agreements to primary teachers.

"This is an outright attack on the tens of thousands of teachers up and down the country who choose to join together to fight for better pay and conditions," said Grey.

"It is totally unacceptable that the Public Service Commissioner is attempting to turn teachers against each other and undermine solidarity across the sector.

"Brian Roche has overstepped the mark by breaching good faith bargaining and undermining the role of unions. This comes after his scandalous decision last year to run taxpayer funded ads to attack striking workers.

"It's time for Roche to take his responsibilities to support public servants seriously. It is the workers who keep the public service running, not ministers. He has an obligation to them.

"As New Zealanders we love our teachers. They deserve to be paid what they're worth and valued for their tireless work educating our tamariki.

"The CTU and wider union movement stands in solidarity with primary teachers and NZEI Te Riu Roa in the face of this outrageous attack," said Grey.