Pay talks between kindergarten teachers and the Ministry of Education have stalled over a claim for more pay for head teachers.
The Educational Institute says head teachers' pay of $74,000 a year does not reflect their responsibilities.
The union says that is only $2000 more than the most experienced and qualified kindergarten teachers are paid and the extra money should be between $3000 and $5000 a year, depending on the size of the kindergarten.
The union says the ministry has said it can't afford to increase head teachers' pay as well as maintain kindergarten teachers' pay parity with school teachers.
The NZEI says it has been told to choose between the two - but that is not acceptable and it is calling for members to meet this week to discuss the situation.
