The primary teachers union is pushing back on claims unions are against charter schools because they fear they'll lose money

Associate Education Minister David Seymour announced more than 150-million dollars is being set aside to set up 15 new charter schools in the next four years, and convert 35 state schools in the next two.

NZEI President Mark Potter says Seymour's suggestion concerning unions is incorrect.

He says Seymour is trying to smear unions, rather than have a discussion around what is the right and best way of providing education for children.

The legislation will be passed by October.