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School Teachers going on strike

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
School Teachers going on strike
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

I attend a State integrated schools which have a Christian special character. I was saddened when many of their teachers went on strike recently.

What do other Christians think about this? Is going on strike for more money consistent with a Christian lifestyle? Are teachers in a Christian school setting a good example to their pupils by going on strike for more money?

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
gambitecake wrote:

I�attend a�State integrated schools which have a Christian special character. I was saddened when many of their teachers went on strike recently.


What do other Christians think about this? Is going on strike for more money consistent with a Christian lifestyle? Are teachers in a Christian school setting a good example to their pupils by going on strike for more money?



In Nelson, not just Garin College (a catholic school) went on strike. I know for a fact Nelson College for Girls did to, and there was possibly others. No where in the bible does it say teachers should work for low wage, but they did get in to the job knowing what the pay was like.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago

One of the main reasons the teachers were striking was because of conditions in their contracts - not money. Of course, to what extent it's money, to what extent it's fair conditions is arguable.

Churches have often spoken out for labour rights and fair conditions/pay for workers. I suppose the problem you might face here is to what extent you see the strikes as being greedy. I personally don't see the strike as being to do with real greed.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Colvinator wrote:

One of the main reasons the teachers were striking was because of conditions in their contracts - not money. Of course, to what extent it's money, to what extent it's fair conditions is arguable.

Churches have often spoken out for labour rights and fair conditions/pay for workers. I suppose the problem you might face here is to what extent you see the strikes as being greedy. I personally don't see the strike as being to do with real greed.
oh ok, but I really do think they is an element of greed in there. Even if it has not got everything to do with money, part of it represents they want more, and not following a Christian ethic that a Christian school with a special character should be.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Luis Garcia wrote:
gambitecake wrote:

I attend a State integrated schools which have a Christian special character. I was saddened when many of their teachers went on strike recently.


What do other Christians think about this? Is going on strike for more money consistent with a Christian lifestyle? Are teachers in a Christian school setting a good example to their pupils by going on strike for more money?



In Nelson, not just Garin College (a catholic school) went on strike. I know for a fact Nelson College for Girls did to, and there was possibly others. No where in the bible does it say teachers should work for low wage, but they did get in to the job knowing what the pay was like.
yeah, I'm sure they know their wage. And I'm sure the Nelson Catholic schools have special character is well relating to the bible. And I do think they should work for what they are contracted for and not try and greed for more income, as I reckon is against the bible.
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Yes, but as Fiddler on the Roof says :

Perchik :

After Jacob had worked for Laban for seven years,do you know what happened?

Laban fooled him and gave him his ugly daughter Leah.

So to marry Rachel, Jacob was forced to work another seven years.

So, you see, children,the Bible clearly teaches us you can never trust an employer. 



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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
gambitecake wrote:

I�attend a�State integrated schools which have a Christian special character. I was saddened when many of their teachers went on strike recently.


What do other Christians think about this? Is going on strike for more money consistent with a Christian lifestyle? Are teachers in a Christian school setting a good example to their pupils by going on strike for more money?



Although I'm more of a "And Man created God" persuasion I feel compelled to reply:

Firstly, of all the ways that your teachers undoubtedly set great examples, do you feel it necessary to define them by this action alone? Very few humans I am aware of a paragons of virtue in all aspects of their life. Remember the Garden of Eden fable?

Secondly, how can taking action to stand up for one's beliefs (assuming integrity)rather than passivly acquiescing to one's employers' demands not be a good example to young people? Remember David and Goliath? (Although some might argue that the collectrive power of the PPTA makes that last analogy rather difficult to determine which party is David and which Goliath!)

Thirdly,is this dispute only about money? There are several aspects of the bargaining chips that relate to conditions of employment as much as pay. Conditions of employment which just might bring improving the educational outcomes of NZ youth a little closer. Suddenly there might be some moral concerns at play here. Which, as I understand it, Christians are pretty hot on.

Great that you are even considering this question (he says in his patronising ex-teacherly voice)



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From a Christian perspective I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to earn a bit more and having improved working conditions.  Sure, they knew the conditions when they entered the profession but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with seeking an improvement.  I also don't think it's a bad example for their students.  I agree with the following from the above post: "Secondly, how can taking action to stand up for one's beliefs (assuming integrity)rather than passivly acquiescing to one's employers' demands not be a good example to young people?"
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
HarryHotspur wrote:
gambitecake wrote:

I attend a State integrated schools which have a Christian special character. I was saddened when many of their teachers went on strike recently.


What do other Christians think about this? Is going on strike for more money consistent with a Christian lifestyle? Are teachers in a Christian school setting a good example to their pupils by going on strike for more money?



Although I'm more of a "And Man created God" persuasion I feel compelled to reply:

Firstly, of all the ways that your teachers undoubtedly set great examples, do you feel it necessary to define them by this action alone? Very few humans I am aware of a paragons of virtue in all aspects of their life. Remember the Garden of Eden fable?

Secondly, how can taking action to stand up for one's beliefs (assuming integrity)rather than passivly acquiescing to one's employers' demands not be a good example to young people? Remember David and Goliath? (Although some might argue that the collectrive power of the PPTA makes that last analogy rather difficult to determine which party is David and which Goliath!)

Thirdly,is this dispute only about money? There are several aspects of the bargaining chips that relate to conditions of employment as much as pay. Conditions of employment which just might bring improving the educational outcomes of NZ youth a little closer. Suddenly there might be some moral concerns at play here. Which, as I understand it, Christians are pretty hot on.

Great that you are even considering this question (he says in his patronising ex-teacherly voice)



very interesting thanks. Yes the teachers do generally set good morals and examples, and obviously do make mistakes like everyone does. And I do know that the strike does involve more than money but I do think that money is the major factor, and they should work for what they are orginally contracted for, I think would be an Christian ethic.
I have also heard  that some other Christian College didn't go on Strike on that day and continued the day as any other because of Christian belief, just one!
 
 
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
loyalgunner wrote:
From a Christian perspective I don't think there's anything wrong with wanting to earn a bit more and having improved working conditions.  Sure, they knew the conditions when they entered the profession but that doesn't mean there's anything wrong with seeking an improvement.  I also don't think it's a bad example for their students.  I agree with the following from the above post: "Secondly, how can taking action to stand up for one's beliefs (assuming integrity)rather than passivly acquiescing to one's employers' demands not be a good example to young people?"
oh ok, I do think it is a fair enough call the part you just mentioned. I suppose you can debate that it is not a completely anti-christian issue by mentioning this, but I would have thought that it was more against Christian ethics than for, demanding more income.
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I spoke to someone at the education review office about this, and he pointed out that all research done into class sizes has pretty much shown the there is no difference in educational results based on class sizes ranging from 20-40 pupils. The standard of teaching may drop, but this is a reflection on the educator, not the system. Better teacher training would help, but again he pointed out that a lot of teachers have gone into education as their first choice of career never happened (WTF do people with philosophy degrees expect to achieve?)

If teachers wanted better conditions they shouldn't have come out with the 4% pay rise as their first argument, especially when it is a collective agreement that rewards the bad teachers along with the mediocre and the good.
 
/rant
UberGunner2010-10-06 10:16:59
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Do you have to be Christian to teach in a Christian school?

www.kiwifromthecouch.blogspot.com

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
my solo mum, non Christian, sister in law, who teaches religious studies at a catholic school in Christchurch would indicate the answer is NO.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Jesus was a Socialist
Peace and Love rules, the only time he kicked arse was on the money-lenders
there is something in that for all of us

the primary requirement for Christians is Social Justice
we are most certainly our Brothers Keepers
Collectivized Labour movements are the #1 way to increase living conditions
accepting crumbs intermittently from the masters table is not enacting Jesus ability to always act with courage and conviction

if Education is a priority and the way to up-skill and invigorate the nation how about we fund it better? Stratification of High Schools ability to educate all of the community is most certainly Un-Christian


E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
bopman wrote:
Do you have to be Christian to teach in a Christian school?


generally no, but they should accept that their position may require certain 'living standards'
If I wish to work at the Catholic School I should not be moonlighting as a condom salesman or arms dealer.

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
It does depend on the school.  At my old school there was a requirement that the teachers be Christians.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
foal30 wrote:
bopman wrote:
Do you have to be Christian to teach in a Christian school?


generally no, but they should accept that their position may require certain 'living standards'
If I wish to work at the Catholic School I should not be moonlighting as a condom salesman or arms dealer.
yeah thats right, I think teachers are expected to have a 'sort of' Christian belief. But very few schools would be very strict in saying you have to be a dedicated Christian as it would be very hard to fill the roster. The a lot of school overall have a Christian ethic to it.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I like your thinking my friend. But i'm a little confused, can you spell out the specific Christian "lifestyle" factors that they're not living up to?
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
As a catholic i'm confused why being involved in a labour movement is anti-christian (anti-exclusive bretheren yes, but not anti-christian)
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At most catholic schools, I beleive there is a requirement that a certain percentage of teachers be catholic.  The school has no more right than any other school to interfere in the private lives of teachers,and nor should it, especially while receiving state funding.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
They're doing it for the children.
 
You can't get more Christian than that.


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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
wolfman wrote:
They're doing the children.
 
You can't get more Christian than that.
 
Fixed.
I like tautologies because I like them.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Cosimo wrote:
wolfman wrote:
They're doing the children.
 
You can't get more Christian than that.
 
Fixed.
wanting more money to do the children? Is that fair when you have to pay fees that are high enough? And are asked donations of high numbers.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Gambitcake, I fear there may be some sexual innuendo you may not have picked up on in the above post.


E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
aitkenmike wrote:
As a catholic i'm confused why being involved in a labour movement is anti-christian (anti-exclusive bretheren yes, but not anti-christian)



tirade about Regan's advisers and the hi-jacking of the 'Christian' vote ensues.

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
aitkenmike wrote:
At most catholic schools, I beleive there is a requirement that a certain percentage of teachers be catholic.  The school has no more right than any other school to interfere in the private lives of teachers,and nor should it, especially while receiving state funding.



yeah , no , yeah
generally I agree but common sense also needs to apply. I do not consider it unjust or prejudiced to have some 'idiosyncratic' standards for nominally Religious schools.

To me, I reckon it's part of the gig.

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
foal30 wrote:
Gambitcake, I fear there may be some sexual innuendo you may not have picked up on in the above post.


umm, sorry I'm sure what you mean. I'm meaning to insult or abuse with any of my posting. Just change it on quoting if you think its not right to post sorry.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
gambitecake wrote:
Cosimo wrote:
wolfman wrote:
They're doing the children.
 
You can't get more Christian than that.
 
Fixed.
wanting more money to teach the students? Is that fair when you have to pay fees that are high enough? And are asked donations of high numbers.
 
Sorry, that is what I'm meaning.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I don't know if I'm laughing or crying
anyway welcome aboard gambitecake

E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
I feel like a rendition of Blake's 'Infant Joy' is required!

Edit: Whereas, Cosimo = Murderer of the innocents HarryHotspur2010-10-06 21:33:50
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
what?
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Cosimo wrote:
wolfman wrote:
They're doing the children.
 
You can't get more Christian than that.
 
Fixed.
 
Lolz. Look what you've done to the poor kid!
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
El-Ni�o wrote:
Cosimo wrote:
wolfman wrote:
They're doing the children.
 
You can't get more Christian than that.
 
Fixed.
 
Lolz. Look what you've done to the poor kid!
 
Wolfman set it up, I just gangbanged it home
I like tautologies because I like them.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Cosimo wrote:
El-Ni�o wrote:
Cosimo wrote:
wolfman wrote:
They're doing the children.
 
You can't get more Christian than that.
 
Fixed.
 
Lolz. Look what you've done to the poor kid!
 
Wolfman set it up, I just gangbanged it home
ok, this is getting out of order now!!! At least there has been good replies previously, very interesting.
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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Is the strike action solely about appropriate remuneration?
Are Teachers talking about other issues
are they just Labour Party Hacks having a go at Anne T(R)olley?

In general I think it's nearly always good avice to accept submissions from the coalface or shop floor when contemplating employment issues. If Teachers (in this instance) are actually valuable professionals should we take their calls of concern seriously?



E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
"I only have to work 30 weeks a year,waaaa"

Allegedly

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
aitkenmike wrote:
As a catholic i'm confused why being involved in a labour movement is anti-christian (anti-exclusive bretheren yes, but not anti-christian)
And yeah very much this

Allegedly

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
Tegal wrote:
"I only have to work 30 weeks a year,waaaa"


And by that I mean 40. I can't do math,my teachers failed me by being on strike all the time.

Allegedly

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over 15 years ago · edited over 13 years ago
yes I know for a fact all teachers immediately finish work at 3PM everyday and do absolutely no preparation time for their classes.

I also send my kids into a classroom with 30 others and feel justified in blaming the teacher for my child's general uselessness.



E's Flat Ah's Flat Too

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