Education Minister Chris Carter has welcomed the ratification of all the major collective employment agreements for teachers and principals in the education sector.

�The ratification of these claims is extremely good news,� Chris Carter said.

�The Labour-led government recognises the enormous importance of teachers and school leaders in ensuring our young people contribute to the wellbeing and prosperity of New Zealand.

�These major settlements are a major achievement by everyone involved to ensure 2008 gets off to a positive and settled start.�

Secondary teachers ratified their collective agreement last year, and in February primary teachers and principals, area school principals and teachers and support staff followed suit.

�2008 will be a big year for education but we can move forward knowing that all teachers and principals have pay and conditions they are happy with,� Chris Carter said.