14 Mar 2013

Teachers reject new contract offer

7:30 am on 14 March 2013

Primary school teachers in Wellington and Christchurch have rejected a new collective agreement proposed by the Government.

New Zealand Educational Institute national secretary Paul Goulter says the union's members decided to vote against the proposal because they want a settlement which includes career pathways for teachers.

Mr Goulter says teachers may go on strike next term if the Government isn't willing to negotiate the issue.

Teachers are meeting in other parts of the country this week and next week to discuss the Government's offer.