The early childhood sector has initiated the Fair Pay Agreement process.
NZEI has lodged the application on behalf of Early Childhood Education teachers, after more than 5,000 workers signed in support.
Representative Sandie Burn says teachers would like to be paid enough so they don't need a second job.
"There are a lot of teachers out there that are going and doing another evening job or a weekend job just to be able to pay the rent."
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