Minister ‘ojpting out’

Press, 4 March 1988, Page 5

Minister ‘ojpting out’

The [Minister of Education is "opting out” of responsibility for a quality education service in introducing! the State Sector Bill, according to the Canterbury Combined Teachers’ Association. ; Because the bill transferred! the responsibility for industrial relations! in the education sendees from [the Education Department to the State Services Commission, the responsibility for the recruitment, retention and quality of teachers was removed from the Education Department, the association said.

"The Minister of Education will no longer be charged with providing an efficient quality service.” Thp association’s statement! was made by heads or representatives of the five i teacher unions in Canterbury: The PostPrimary Teacher?’ Association, the ' Association lof Teachers in Technical Institutes: the New Zealand Educational Institute,! the New Zealand Teachers’ College Associa-r tionj and the Kindergarten

Teachers’ Association. [ The president of the Christchurch A.T.T.1.. Mrs Margaret .Arnold, said it was [clear the Minister of Education, Mr Lange, wjas “opting out” of his responsibilities.' “It is inappropriate for education to be put into the [market sphere when research . shows that [it must operate quite differently." The Combined Teachers' Association also said that the Government was abusing its special position as lawmaker and employer, without allowing] the negotiations it fiad always promised its employees. ‘‘The chance to make submissions [to a select committee cannot be | regarded as full negotiations.” The loss of student time through strikes would| become the norm year after year if the bill was introduced, said the association. . "We do not think this is an appropriate method of conflict resolution ini the State education system."