School Caretakers, Cleaners, Canteen and Groundstaff Collective Agreement

May 2025 update

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. 

This revised offer was presented to E tū on 8 May 2025 and has been rejected. 

The offer provides pay rate increases to all staff (depending on their role and current pay scale step) ranging from 3.1% to 10.5% over the term of the agreement. 

The key elements of the offer include: 

• All cleaners, canteen staff, assistant caretakers and Grade One caretakers (except supervisors): Pay rate increases of 40 cents per hour in years 1, 2 and 3 of the agreement. This is equal to a pay increase of 4.9% over the term of the Collective Agreement.
• All Grade Two caretakers who are legally able to undertake maintenance normally provided by registered or qualified tradespeople: Pay rate increases of 50 cents per hour in years 1, 2 and 3 of the agreement. This is equal to a pay increase of 6.1% over the term of the Collective Agreement.
• All supervisor cleaners, canteen staff and caretakers: Pay increases of between 3.1% to 10.5% over the term of the Collective Agreement. These pay increases ensure supervisors receive $1.10 more per hour than the staff they supervise.
• 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.

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