can be averted
The prime minister hopes a last minute meeting with teachers will avert next week's schools and preschools strike action.
About 50,000 teachers have planned to walk off the job on Thursday but Chris Hipkins said the government was working hard to resolve the dispute.
He said he acknowledged the issues raised by the union and wanted more negotiations, to make progress toward an agreement.
Kindergarten teachers said this week's planned strike would be the first time they joined their primary and secondary colleagues in walking off the job.
It was estimated about 50,000 teachers would protest on Thursday in support of better pay and conditions, after rejecting two offers from the government.
Union for kindergarten teachers NZEI Te Riu Ro president Mark Potter said all three sectors shared common goals.
"What we are finding is that all the teachers have more in common than they have apart, and kindergarten teachers are no different, they have some needs for improved pay and they definitely have some needs for improved conditions."
Link to article: PM hopes schools and pre-schools strike can be averted | RNZ News
