School teachers are returning to the negotiating table with the government with caution as they set to discuss pay increases and better working conditions on Monday.

Jason Smythe.

After temporarily halting the scheduled industrial action in early October, and an offer by the government, the government has returned with a counter offer, says Western Bay of Plenty Post Primary Teachers Association president Jason Smythe.
'Considering when the Ministry called us back last time, members are being cautious,” says Jason.

The government told them they had an offer worth looking at and included a 0.5 per cent increase in the first year, a 1.9 per cent increase in the second year and a one off payment of $1000.
The offer was well below the four per cent pay rise the teachers had asked for. It also included bans on callbacks, preventing teachers from completing any work outside the normal school hours and the weeks prior to the start of term, which are used by teachers for planning. This means the teachers begin planning on the first day the students arrive back.

The members of the Teachers Association are hopeful to get some progress from the Ministry of Education.

Jason says last time they were called back the offer presented made no significant movement to improve the working conditions for teachers and they are hopeful for an outcome that is worth their while.
He says the negotiations should be over by tomorrow afternoon, but they could carry on into Wednesday.