This document outlines the journey of support staff in New Zealand from 2004-2010, including increases in membership, pay rates, and minimum wage over time. It discusses actions taken by support staff members in 2009 to negotiate bargaining dates and a settlement that increased pay rates. The document advocates that support staff deserve a fair deal with secure, appropriately funded jobs covered by a national collective agreement.

1. Support Staff fair deal Journey

2. 2004 2006 Membership at 8,971 Bottom rate was $11.21 Minimum Wage was $9.00 Membership at 10,600 Bottom rate was $11.84 Minimum Wage was $10.25 Additional Annual Leave for staff with more than 5 years service.

3. 2008 2009 Membership at 11,200 Bottom rate was $12.69 Minimum Wage was $12.00 Membership at 13,200 Bottom rate was $12.94 Minimum Wage was $12.50

4. 2009August November Members took part in action nationwide. 72 rallies throughout the country resulting in bargaining dates. 27 /28 November were Days of Action. Hundreds of SS took part in the march up Queen Street.

5. December 2009 Settlement reached – breaking the wage freeze. Bottom rate went from $12.94 - $14.00 Minimum Wage was $12.50 Membership now at 13,250

6. 2010January may New pay rates come in to effect. Minimum wage went to $12.75 Workforce Strategy working group is formed – tripartite work with Ministry of Ed and School Trustees Assoc. New hurdle – Govt announces increase in GST. 4% increase to 2011 operations grant announced.

7. 2010 - june National Standards WILL have implications for SS. Use of Volunteers Narrowed Curriculum Extra Responsibility Blame or accountability Failure Disruptive Behaviour

8. More Data and Paperwork Need more Support Staff Extra Workload Larger Groups Loss of hours and Jobs Less hours / More work Productivity Issues within Kura Kaupapa

9. 2010 - June Phase 1 of Workforce Strategy has gone to the Secretary of Education. Approved. Phase 2 in motion. The Journey Continues. Without members support our journey will be long and arduous.

10. What is a fair deal? A FAIR DEAL = Support Staff working in jobs that are: Secure Appropriately Funded Covered by a National Collective Agreement

11. SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF WE DESERVE A FAIR DEAL! Think about how you can get involved to ensure you get one! www.fairdeal.org.nz

13. Your journey and success We would like you to share one aspect of the journey you have been involved in OR A success you have been involved in at your workplace.