Association president Rob Long said the group had hoped to confront suspended Education Minister John Della Bosca over the NSW Government's decision to reduce the TAFE teaching qualification level from a university diploma to a Certificate IV in workplace training.

"This misguided policy is based on an apparent belief that TAFE teachers do not need to know how to teach, only to train, as the Certificate IV in workplace training was never designed to be a teaching qualification," Mr Long said.

"The 2.5 per cent salary increase is a pay cut in real terms when the projected inflation rate is 4.29 per cent."

Mr Campbell agreed to meet Mr Long before attending a forum on raising the school leaving age, and will present the union's arguments to Acting Education Minister John Hatzistergos at the earliest opportunity.

"I have always considered myself a strong supporter of TAFE teachers in our region, and will put their concerns to the acting minister," he said.

South Coast Labour Council secretary Arthur Rorris spoke at the stop-work meeting, describing the State Government's pay rise offer of 2.5 per cent as "insulting".

"When inflation is sitting at between 4 and 5 per cent and the Government is offering our teachers 2.5 per cent that sends a powerful message to these people that this is how much their government values them," he said.

"The decision to downgrade qualifications for TAFE teachers is misguided.

"What is the point of having an education revolution and professional development if the Government attacks standards in vocational education - one of the only things helping to combat youth unemployment in this region?"

Mr Long said the association had not ruled out further industrial action.