Teachers' union signs pay deal

8.30am

A $400 million agreement has been reached by primary and intermediate teachers and the Ministry of Education.

The NZEI, the teachers' union, signed the deal on Friday, the last day of the school term.

National president Colin Tarr says the settlement includes a reasonable pay increase.

But he says it also addresses issues of additional support and career development.

He says it will go to members to be ratified early next term, and he is confident they will be pretty pleased with what has been achieved.

Colin Tarr says he is particularly happy the agreement includes classroom release time, which is an historical step forward in recognising teachers' workload.

He believes students will benefit most from the new agreement.

He says ultimately the children benefit because teachers' working conditions are childrens' learning conditions.

- Newstalk ZB