Boards and industrial action

Update 25 March 2011

The NZEI and PPTA have suspended industrial action in area schools from 25 March 2011.

Bargaining has resumed and the Ministry is very keen to work towards settlement of the Area School Teachers’ Collective Agreement.

Boards can still access our advice on managing industrial action, below.

In this section

Part A: General information: General information for boards about their roles and responsibilities, student attendance and school closure
Part B: Industrial action: Includes explanation of what a strike is, the key features of a strike in schools and the applicable employment law, and different types of strike
Part C: Board action: Information for boards about the steps they should take before, during and after a strike
Part D: Ministry support for boards: Information for boards about the support provided by the Ministry of Education in the event of industrial action
Appendix A: Definitions: Definitions of terms used throughout this document
Appendix B: Sample form - teacher intention to strike: Sample industrial action form for teaching staff
Appendix C: Sample letters to parents and caregivers (1): Sample letter to parents and caregivers if a board chooses to make a strike closure
Appendix D: Sample letter for parents and caregivers (2): Sample letter to parents and caregivers if a board requests parents to keep students affected by strike at home when school remains open for instruction
Appendix E: Contact details: Contact information for the Ministry of Education and New Zealand School Trustees Association