PPTA Representation Contract, Fair?
When you join the PPTA and pay your fees direct from your salary an implied contract exists that should not require any further refinement. All the services of the union should be available to you without further fee or additional terms and conditions. That PPTA should require you to sign a further contract should you find yourself in competency or disciplinary procedures is surprising but that those conditions should be so restrictive of the PPTA member defies belief. This is very much a case of the tail wagging the dog, the Member carrying all the risk and the NZPPTA in control. Not a very secure position for the person being represented. All would be fine if the PPTA showed they had the fortitude to see these confrontations through. Unfortunately that has not been the experience of my informants.
The contract gives all the power to the PPTA and requires that the member use them as their sole representative. It makes no undertaking that the PPTA will provide any measurable level of support or even see the crisis through (more on this in the next Blog). In fact it doesn’t even say that the member will be kept informed of their actions or even be involved with being able to give direction. You can view a copy of this contract at http://ppta.blogtown.co.nz/files/2011/06/PPTA-Authorisation-Contract.pdf I would strongly recommend any Teacher needing support get legal advice on this agreement before accepting the PPTA’s assistance on those terms. Not much of a deal when the member will probably find themselves up against the Principal (most likely a PPTA member and possibly better connected), The STA (School Trustees Association), The Employers Association, The BOT’s Lawyers and if they fight back you can also probably also add the PPTA and SPANZ if the Principal is a member. A very stacked deck in favour of the senior management.
Next Blog Post “Did you know your senior management are entitled to the protection and membership of the PPTA”
I have a friend who has been unfairly represented by the PPTA. His Principal just happens to be the Chair of the Secondary Principals Council. There happens to be evidence of collusion between this person and the union official representing my friend. The end result was dismissal and deportation! The PPTA has failed in it’s duty in this case. I am unable to find out how to complain about this union. Is there a Complaints Authority which covers Union Activity?
Unfortunately it would seem to be only the courts. But there are clear conflicts of interest within the PPTA. If you are intersted in going further there is quite a large group in the same position i can put you in touch with.
i got bullied et and im in the 6th grade some of these boys and girls tlkin bnhied my back calling mhe fat and stuff its really mean and rude ppl have feelings
There is no effective complaint system. Read my book (“Bring Me the Head of the NCEA!”) for a detailed history of the frustration of trying to get ANYONE in New Zealand to help a teacher. Nobody wants to know. Even after my television appearance on the “Sunday” programme there was little beyond some condolences and a rather large number of obnoxious attacks decrying the fact that I had had the audacity to complain about the treatment I’d received. The Employment Relations Authority seems to be an apologist for bad employers. While they provide some type of mediation, mediation is a useless exercise if the people across the table are intent on destroying you (or, at least your career). Just read the book.
Bullying is such an issue these days starting as young a 6 years old. Make sure you weomlce our new bloggers to the site and take a look at what they have to say. It can be very helpful to all of us moms!
I don’t know if anyone will ever udnrestand bullying. I can’t lie and say I’ve never said mean things to anyone. I’ve gotten into my fair share of fights with friends in the past. But I never understood why kids make fun of the quiet kids that they don’t even know. I’ve been fortunate enough to make it through my life with very minimal bullying so far, despite the fact that I’m nerdy, odd, and not particularly pretty. The problem is that kids find a target and go with it because it makes them feel powerful, even though they’d be better people if they helped bullied kids instead. I’m sorry you went through that.It is funny, how the smallest decisions have such an impact on our lives. I’m the kind of person that believes everything happens for a reason, so I’m totally with you on this. I’m glad you decided to stay in school and were able to meet some good friends. For me, I know what it’s like to be with the same group of people, year in and year out. Sometimes it’s just hard to find good people in that group. I don’t have many friends in the current group I’m stuck with, but whenever I have to opportunity to branch out and meet new people, I always leave with a good number of new friends. Change is good.
why the contract gives all the power to the PPTA and requires that the member use them as their sole representative?