Public sector unions have welcomed what they say is a softened stance from the government around the pay restrictions announced last week.
A series of crisis talks at parliament yesterday left the various unions satisfied the government didn't intend its announcement to mean a three-year pay freeze for workers, as had been widely interpreted.
It was agreed the government must bargain in good faith with no predetermined outcomes and that more workers should receive scheduled increases through step-based pay systems.
Bumps in pay to take into account the cost of living could also be on the table.
NZ Nurses Organisation associate manager Glenda Alexander, and Post-Primary Teachers' Association president Melanie Webber spoke to Corin Dann.
