The NZEI Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement: What You Need to Know

The NZEI Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement is a vital document for support staff working in New Zealand schools. It outlines a range of rights, entitlements, and responsibilities for support staff, and helps to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably in their work.

What is the NZEI Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement?

The NZEI Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement is a legally binding agreement between the New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) and the New Zealand government. It covers the terms and conditions of employment for support staff working in primary, intermediate, and secondary schools across the country.

The agreement is negotiated every few years, with the most recent iteration being signed in 2019. It sets out a range of provisions around pay, leave entitlements, hours of work, and other working conditions.

Who is covered by the agreement?

The agreement covers a range of support staff roles in New Zealand schools, including teacher aides, administration staff, librarians, technicians, and other support roles. If you are a support staff member working in a New Zealand school, it is likely that you are covered by the agreement.

What are the key provisions of the agreement?

The NZEI Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement covers a range of areas, including:

– Pay: The agreement sets out minimum rates of pay for support staff, based on their level of experience and qualifications. It also provides for annual pay increases and other allowances, such as shift allowances or first aid allowances.

– Leave entitlements: Support staff are entitled to a range of leave entitlements, including sick leave, bereavement leave, and parental leave. The agreement also sets out provisions for other types of leave, such as study leave or domestic leave.

– Hours of work: The agreement sets out the standard hours of work for support staff, as well as provisions for flexible working arrangements or additional hours of work.

– Professional development: Support staff are entitled to access professional development opportunities, such as training courses or workshops, to develop their skills and knowledge.

– Health and safety: The agreement includes provisions around health and safety in the workplace, including requirements for risk assessments and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary.

Why is the agreement important?

The NZEI Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement is important for support staff working in New Zealand schools because it helps to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably in their employment. The agreement provides a clear framework for pay and conditions, and sets out minimum standards for workplace health and safety.

The agreement is also important for schools and the wider education sector, as it helps to ensure that support staff have the resources and support they need to carry out their roles effectively. This, in turn, contributes to the overall success of schools and the education system as a whole.

In conclusion, the NZEI Support Staff in Schools Collective Agreement is a vital document for support staff working in New Zealand schools. It sets out a range of rights, entitlements, and responsibilities for support staff, and helps to ensure that they are treated fairly and equitably in their work. By providing a clear framework for pay and conditions, and setting minimum standards for workplace health and safety, the agreement helps to support the success of schools and the wider education sector.