Lynda StuartOtago's area school teachers are voting today on whether to join their primary and secondary school colleagues in nationwide strike action on May 29. Teachers at Columba College, Lawrence Area School, Maniototo Area School, Roxburgh Area School and The Catlins Area School are among 2300 teachers at 136 area schools nationwide, which educate pupils from years 1 to 13. Lawrence Area School principal John Auld and Maniototo Area School principal Joe Ferdinands said teachers at their school appeared keen to join their colleagues in the May 29 strike. NZEI/PPTA negotiation team member and area school teacher Lagi Leilua said after four days of talks with the Ministry of Education, the ministry had not put forward an offer, which was ''disrespectful'' to area school teachers. ''Area school teachers are suffering unsustainable workloads and we need pay and conditions that will keep and attract people into the profession.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 21, 2019 16:30 UTC