Standing Firm

Charter Schools To Be Union Free

Good news for NZ Charter Schools.  The government teachers' union has voted to ostracise them.  All contact with the soon-to-be launched charter schools is VERBOTEN.  The Post Primary Teachers Association has put out a press release which is an hilarious read.  They apparently have no idea how foolish they sound.

PPTA standing firm against charter schools

Thursday, 3 October 2013, 3:49 pm
Press Release: PPTA PPTA standing firm against charter schools
3 October, 2013
PPTA is standing firm to face down the “ultimate asset sale”.
Members voted to support a paper presented at today’s PPTA annual conference that will give them the strength to see off the charter school threat. (Emphasis, ours)

What is this magical elixir that reputedly stiffens backbones and swells biceps?  What fell blow will be laid upon charter schools.  Just this:

Members [of the union] will also refrain from all professional, sporting and cultural liaison with the sponsors, managers and employees of charter schools.

This is the best news charter schools have had since the announcement of their being launched.  A union free staff will be a wonderful boon.  Imagine the ads for teaching staff: "PPTA members need not apply."  How cool.  The new schools will also be able to advertise along the lines of: "Experience the Difference: XYZ Charter School is a PPTA free zone." Think of the enhancement to graduate CV's: "I graduated with honours from ABC Charter School--a PPTA free zone."  We figure that will attract interest from all prospective employers, unions excepted.

We are seriously thinking of getting involved in some way with the nearest Charter School just to experience the privilege of being blackballed.  It would be groovy on the business card.  "John Tertullian . . . Blackballed by the PPTA."  Instant interest and likely respect amongst the general public. 

What a blessing for charter schools that the PPTA is "standing firm" and has been "given strength".