I’d really appreciate it if this issue were brought forward into the new collective agreement negotiations

What does the issue of sick leave mean for you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

I have had to use all my sick leave to cover for Covid isolation periods. Unlike other teachers who have had special Covid Leave to cover for their leave, I feel extremely anxious about getting sick again and do not have any sick leave cover. I’d really appreciate it if this issue were brought forward into the new collective agreement negotiations. A special Covid leave would be beneficial to all teachers under the collective agreement.

What will it take to fix sick leave for kindergarten teachers?

A specific paid Covid leave allowance or extra days of sick leave that we used to have in the past. Currently we only get the government allowance of 10 days leave, which in a COVID world, where we must isolate for 7 days and can contract the virus multiple times, is simply not enough.

When we fix sick leave, what impact will that change have on you as a teacher, and the tamariki you teach?

Less stress, overall well-being improved and better care for tamariki.