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Learning support workers to strike

Elizabeth Thomson
Teacher Strike
Primary and intermediate school teachers in Cathedral Square during the August 15 strike.  Oliver Cowan

Learning support workers will be go on strike on Tuesday following last week's primary and intermediate school teacher strike.

New Zealand Educational Institute (NZEI) union members are going on strike again. This time it's learning support workers. And they're calling for better pay and an increase in staff numbers.

The union is encouraging parents, teachers and students to join learning support workers in Tuesday's protests.

NZEI union member Rebecca Matthews-Heron said the "heavy workload required" had created problems with staff retention. 

Thousands are expected to protests across the country. A march is taking place in Christchurch, starting at the corner of Durham and Hereford St, beginning with "songs and chants" at 11.45am. The march will end at Labour MP Duncan Webb's electorate office, where a statement will be made. 

Those protesting have been encouraged to wear purple as a sign of support for the workers. 

The strike comes a week after primary and intermediate school teachers went on strike for better pay and fairer workloads.