The union representing thousands of low-paid school support staff is beginning talks with the Ministry of Education on Monday.
The New Zealand Educational Institute, which represents teacher aides and school administrators, is seeking a pay boost for support staff, who it says in some cases are paid only 44 cents an hour above the minimum wage.
Institute spokesperson Gaye Parlane says the staff want parity with school caretakers and cleaners, who earn almost $2 an hour more.
She says many people do not realise that unlike teachers, support staff are paid for only 40 weeks a year.
