95bFM Why primary principals have initiated an after-hours work ban
28 April, 2023
Interview by Nicholas Lindstrom, adapted by Ashley-Rose Redstone
NZEI Te Riu Roa Lead negotiator Lynda Stuart says support for our principals is not strong enough. Photo: Camva.
Primary and area school principals across Aotearoa have initiated a two-month partial work ban to protest their current working conditions.
From the first day of term two, participating principals are stopping all after-hours work and any tasks relating to the Ministry of Education, such as collecting information or implementing the new curriculum refresh.
The ban follows a series of stalled pay negotiations between unions and the Ministry of Education that have occurred over the course of a year.
NZEI Te Riu Roa Lead negotiator Lynda Stuart told Nicholas Lindstrom on 95bFM's The Wire, that in recent years, principals have been crucial in leading children, staff, and communities through challenging times.
Stuart explained that through severe weather incidents, the Christchurch Mosque attack, and COVID-19, principals have extended their responsibilities to support those impacted.
“Principals have absolutely been at the forefront of leading the community through these times.”
She said that principals’ responsibilities are not limited to learning-focused tasks but include overseeing the day-to-day activities of a school, such as navigation work, reading relevant legislation, implementing the latest guidelines, and managing projects within school grounds, such as rebuilding.
Stuart added that at smaller schools, principals might be obligated to teach within their job, adding more pressure on top of their other duties.
Often, principals are forced to carry their work after hours and into the weekend to mitigate the amount that needs to be completed. However, Stuart argued that the pay does not reflect the overtime required.
Stuart explained that a principal's salary is proportioned to the number of children enrolled within the school, leading to discrepancies in pay throughout the sector.
She said that positive action on pay needs to ensure that the principals at smaller schools are not paid less than senior leaders in larger schools.
“The education sector is rife with issues of unfair remuneration, and we know that it will take time to sort it through to where it needs to go, but we want to see a concrete pathway around addressing those issues.”
Stuart argued that the system is “archaic” and does not fit the modern context.
As inflation and the cost of living rises, Stuart said ensuring principals have fair pay that demonstrates the extensive service of their work has become increasingly important.
She called for initiatives towards principals' welfare, such as sabbaticals and a well-being fund, to support their professional growth.
She added that although each school has their own individual context, there is no reason not to promote a fair working environment for principals.
“What we are seeing at the moment is that the support for our principals is not strong enough. People feel they are not being valued. Even though we are being told thank you for the work that we do, we are not actually seeing that.”
