Teachers still waiting for proper pay day

The Ministry of Education is dragging the chain on fixing the Novopay teachers’ pay system – with some teachers still waiting for problems to be addressed from almost two months ago, says Nanaia Mahuta.

"This is the fourth pay round under Novopay and despite assurances from the Minister that the issues are being addressed, relief teachers and staff are still waiting for flaws in the pay system to be rectified.

"One relief teacher who contacted me is still waiting to receive correct payments and detailed payslips. Relievers often teach at several schools and need detailed payslips so they can reconcile the work undertaken with each payment.

"Just today a principal explained that most support staff affected by the Novopay bungle are paid each term rather than fortnightly.  They are not often paid over the holiday period so it is important that they are paid on time and in a way that allows them to reconcile the hours worked for the wages paid.

"Another teacher highlighted that while they have been paid, there remain historical arrears since the switch over to Novopay. These problems are leaving many teachers suffering financial hardship, and are causing real stress.

"Schools, teachers and principals have no confidence in the system – a system that was never trialled before being introduced, and came with a $26-million price tag for the switch over.

"Minister Foss has taken a hands-off approach and Minister Parata just doesn’t want to know about the serious nature of this issue.  They are failing our kids, schools and most importantly our teachers.

"The Government needs to fix this mess.  Teachers work hard and do an incredibly important job.  They deserve to get paid for the good work they do,” says Nanaia Mahuta.