School Caretakers, Cleaners, Canteen and Groundstaff Collective Agreement

Since December 2024, the Ministry of Education has been negotiating with E tū in good faith regarding the School Caretakers, Cleaners, Canteen and Groundstaff Collective Agreement covering approximately 670 union members and a further 5,800 people in these roles. 

A revised offer, including a change of term to 20 months (10 July 2025 to 9 March 2027), was presented to E tū on 10 July 2025.  

The offer provides pay rate increases to all staff (depending on their role and current pay scale step) ranging from an average 2.5 % to 6.2% over the 20-month term of the Collective Agreement. 

Key elements of the offer

• All cleaners, canteen staff, assistant caretakers and Grade One caretakers (except supervisors): Pay rate increases of 62 cents per hour to the minimum rate in the agreement. This is equal to a pay increase of 2.5% over the term of the agreement.
• All Grade Two caretakers who are legally able to undertake maintenance normally provided by registered or qualified tradespeople: Pay rate increases of 72 cents per hour to the minimum rate in the agreement. This is equal to a pay increase of 2.9% over the term of the agreement.
• All supervisor cleaners, canteen staff and caretakers: Pay rate increases ensure supervisors receive $1.10 more per hour than the staff they supervise. This is an average 4.2% increase for supervisors over the term of the agreement.
• An increase to the overtime rate for cleaners and canteen staff: From ordinary time and a quarter to ordinary time and a half.
• An increase to the transport allowance rate: From 59 cents to 83 cents per kilometre.
• Extension of the designated first aider allowance: to all eligible employees and provision of safety boots to caretakers.
• Changes covering school trips and camps: Ensures employees are paid the minimum wage for rostered work between 6pm and 8am.  

Previous offers can be found in the resources section of this webpage.