International Socialists

Compiled by Andrew Cooper

2002

18 February: 56 percent of teachers reject government pay offer giving them 3.5 percent pay rise and guaranteed three paid hours away from classroom each week.

1 March: Strikes and protest marches in several areas.

12 March: PPTA announces rolling strikes for next term and teachers will refuse to pass NCEA marks on to NZQA.

25 March: Education Minister Trevor Mallard calls off talks with PPTA after some Auckland teachers roster home third form students, saying negotiations won’t resume until all industrial action called off.

8 May: Teachers at Hutt Valley High School, Counties Manakau, Manawatu, Bay of Plenty, Marlborough and Wairarapa walk out in wildcat strikes after Ministry of Education places full page adverts in newspapers blaming teachers for the dispute.

16 May: PPTA and government reach deal – 5.5 percent pay rise over three years (less than inflation) and allowance for implementing NCEA. PPTA President Jen McCutcheon attends Labour’s Election Year Congress in Wellington two days later. Teachers accuse her of rushing to make a weak deal in order to look good at the conference.

17 May: Teachers at Auckland’s Orewa College stage wildcat strike in opposition to PPTA deal.

21 May: Teachers at Onslow College and other schools join wildcat strikes in defiance of PPTA executive.

22 May: Wildcat strikes spread to schools around country, Jen McCutcheon attacks striking teachers as "irresponsible." Students join teachers in many of the protests.

7 June: Trevor Mallard threatens to put teachers on individual contracts if the dispute is not settled.

10 June: Teachers vote overwhelmingly against latest government offer of 5.5 percent rise over three years and NCEA allowance.

11 June: PPTA places ban on extracurricular activities such as school sports and drama and choir activities.

12 June (Wednesday): First protests by students at Riccarton High School against extracurricular activities’ ban. Teachers at Onslow College refuse to implement ban, calling it the one thing that will divide staff and upset students and parents.

13 June (Thursday): Protests spread like wildfire to schools around the country.

14 June (Friday): Mass protests continue.

17 June (Monday): PPTA calls off rostering home, claiming student protests spiralling out of control and attacks protesters as "rioters." Sports ban stays in place but is widely ignored.

21 June: PPTA tables new claim after nationwide teachers’ meetings reject last government offer. PPTA now seeking $6,000 NCEA allowance over two years.

8 July: PPTA rejects government offer of $1,000 NCEA allowance.

12 July: Government announces agreement to set up independent panel to mediate in the dispute.

14 July: PPTA says it will have to consult members first. Strikes planned for 17, 18 and 19 July.

18 July: PPTA rejects government demands to speed up consultation with members on Arbitration, calling Trevor Mallard’s tactics "bullying." Strikes to continue until decision made.

19 July: NZQA says some NCEA certificates won’t be confirmed if teachers continue withholding results.

22 July: Education Ministry report confirms teachers’ claims that NCEA forcing much heavier workloads on them.

23 July: PPTA members vote in support of "Alternative Dispute Resolution" (ie Arbitration). Strikes planned for the following days called off.

29 July: PPTA officially lifts extracurricular ban.

9 August: Government pushes ahead with introduction of Sixth Form NCEA, despite being in the middle of Arbitration.

19 August: Arbitration panel delivers recommendations.