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In Auckland, an informal network of relievers has been set up. The Network meets once a term for relieversto socialise, discuss issues andlisten to a relevant speaker. Contact Garth Houltham at garph@ihug.co.nz.
The Christchurch Network is also up and running. Contact Colleen Phillip at p.pearson@paradise.net.nz
What are your rights?
You can be a reliever for a long term appointment (more than six weeks) or a short term appointment, but either way you need to know your rights and entitlements. There are some requirements that must be met whenever you enter into an employment relationship with the school where you are relieving.
What is a "reliever"?
Relievers by the very nature of their work are defined as teachers engaged for a "fixed term". Take a light-hearted look at the serious matter of fixed term agreements here.
The purpose of hiring a reliever is to address temporary fluctuations in school staffing caused by staff taking periods of leave.
Short Term Relievers (STRs)
are fixed term employees who are temporarily employed on a casual basis to relieve in a permanent teacher position for a period not exceeding six weeks.
Long Term Relievers (LTRs)...
are fixed term employees temporarily employed for a continuous period beyond six weeks. The employment of long term relievers is not limited to relieving in a permanent teacher position.
The Primary Teachers Collective Agreement (PCTA)...
is the collective agreement that NZEI Te Riu Roa has negotiated with the Ministry of Education. It prescribes the terms and conditions of employment for teachers, including relievers, in the primary school sector. Membership of NZEI Te Riu Roa guarantees access to the entitlements contained within the Primary Teachers' Collective Employment Agreement.
What you need to do before starting your period of relief teaching
The following points are important to remember:
- Your employer is the school Board of Trustees and the Principal is your manager and professional leader.
- You need to hav a Ministry of Education (MOE) number.
- Confirm that you are hired subject to the terms and conditions of the current PCTA.
- Check and confirm school start and break times specific to the school where you are relieving.
- Find out what is required of you for the period of relief - what is your job description?
Other Support
You may also find it useful to talk to other colleagues who are relievers. Talk to your worksite rep about where and when your local NZEI branch meets and who the field staff are in their area. If you nominate to belong to the NZEI branch in which you do most of your relieving, you can be included in opportunities to attend NZEI courses.
What your employer must do when employing a reliever
The Employment Relations Act 2000 requires the terms and conditions of your employment relationship to be recorded in writing with specific reference to the following:
- Stated reason for the period of relief
- Specified duration for the period of relief
- Hours/days or work
- Rates of renumeration should reflect that rates in the PCTA.
These details can easily be recorded on a standard format letter of appointment and confirmation, and can be used for all relieving assignment within the school.
Discuss any special requirements or variation to the period of relief that may arise due to specific circumstances eg a teacher on parental leave must give one month's notice of intention to return to work - the period of relief will be dependent on that notice.
For more advice read Helpful Hints for Principals
Employment Relationship Issues
- Employment relationships are sometimes fragile, and problems may occur at any time during the period of relief. If problems do present themselves, keep the lines of communication between parties open and clear. If there are problems, raise them with your managers earlier rather than later.
- The current industrial environment is based on the principle that any difficulties which may arise in an employment relationship should be addressed by the parties involved in the frist instance and often with the assistance of their respective representative organisations.
- The key is to keep talking to each other to work through the difficulty. If assistance is required to facilitate that, members should contact their NZEI worksite rep.