Teachers’ salary claims

Press, 8 April 1978, Page 12

Teachers’ salary claims

Sir, —• The article “What teachers are upset about” (April 4) explains teachers’ frustrations over the lack of negotiations in Wellington. It only hints at the indignation we feel about particular cases on our staff. One teacher, who is 26 years old, earns $6240 a year. An ex-pupil recently returned to school to chat with his old teachers. As a soldier with two years experience he earns $B6OO. He is 21 years old. Obviously the basic scale for younger teachers must be increased. These teachers are, after all, in the firing line every day. The Government hgs recruited technical teachers from overseas. Yet it fails to encourage existing staff to remain teaching. One technical colleague with six years experience is considering a car 'r as a camera technician in which his takehome pay Would be greater than what he earns gross as a teacher. — Yours, etc., ALAN BUNN. Secretary, Papanui High School Branch, P.P.T.A. April 6, 1978.

Sir, — The quick action over the freezing workers’ pay claims, and the lack of action over the teachers’

claims, have further confirmed my opinion that sheep are more important than children in this country. — Yours, etc., DAVE NICHOLSON. April 5, 1978.