Strikes not ruled out as teachers reject Government's latest offer on pay and conditions

Teachers and principals have overwhelmingly voted to reject the Government's third round of offers on pay and work conditions.

Speaking on TVNZ1’s Breakfast today NZEI President Lynda Stuart wouldn’t rule out strike action saying, "nothing’s off the table".

The latest offer for teachers included a salary increase of approximately $9500 - $11,000 over three years, but it fails to address the important issues of time and class size, Ms Stuart says in a statement.

She says these offers still do not do enough to fix the crisis in education.

"The big concern for members was that the offers had nothing that would give teachers more time to teach or principals time to lead.

"From the beginning of this process we've been clear that to attract and retain teachers we need to be paid fairly and have the time and support to ensure every child gets the best possible education."

Ms Stuart says, "Disappointingly, we end this year without the necessary movement from the Government, and with still not enough to meet the needs of children, schools and teachers."

NZEI will inform the Government of the outcome from the ballots and will seek further negotiations asking for a new offer in Term 1.