Primary and area school principals say they're not taking their latest industrial action lightly

They'll start their two month ban on ministerial work this morning, over a recent pay offer.

It includes everything they do with the Education Ministry outside 8am to 5pm weekdays, apart from board meetings.

NZEI lead negotiator Lynda Stuart says principals know they have to do something.

She says principals are really feeling it at the moment, they're stretched, and they need to know they're valued for the work they do.