The New Zealand Educational Institute Union says pay talks for primary school teachers begin today and the outcome will be critical for resolving the teacher shortage.
The union's national secretary Paul Goulter says they are seeking a 16 percent pay rise and improved working conditions, especially with regard to support for children with special education needs.
Goulter last year warned teachers to expect the industrial battle of their lifetime and this week he said the change of government would not make the negotiations simple.
He says teachers and principals in the meetings they have held all round the country realise this isn't going to be easy.
He adds that the government have got fiscal constraints, they're aware of that, but quite simply there cannot be any second measures when it comes to fixing the crisis in the education system.
Source:RadioNZ
