11 Apr 2011

PPTA agrees to 'realistic' pay rise after quake

5:28 pm on 11 April 2011

The Post Primary Teachers Association says it could have got more money for teachers had it not been for the Christchurch earthquake.

The PPTA has signed an agreement giving teachers a pay rise of up to 3%, a one-off lump sum payment, more relief days for cultural events such as Polyfest and Kapahaka, and the introduction of sabbaticals.

The union says it was originally asking for more, but had to be realistic about the financial climate following the devastating quake on 22 February.

The association says teachers in Canterbury have enough to deal with without additional stress from action against the ministry.

Education minister Anne Tolley says the deal will bring peace of mind to students, parents and teachers.