The State Government has initiated legal proceedings in the Federal Court against the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the CPSU over the work bans imposed by teachers as part of a long-running pay dispute.

The teachers are seeking a12.6 per cent pay rise in a dispute that has gone on for almost 18 months.

The paperwork has been lodged but there is no date for a hearing.

A spokesman for the Minister of Finance says the Government is seeking an interlocutory injunction against the industrial action, which has halted out of school activities and includes plans for a third one-day strike on February 14.

The proceedings also seek a ruling that a range of items in the log of claims cannot be included in the EBA. Therefore any industrial action in support of those items is illegal.

The Government says the industrial action is unlawful under the Fair Work Act and continues the AEU's "unjustifiable disruption of children's education."

The spokesman says the industrial action is already having a detrimental affect on camp operators.

Before the action was launched, Education Minister Martin Dixon said he hoped today's bargaining talks are fruitful.

"I think that is a positive sign and it's good to see the parties talking.

"The unions have come back to the table and there will be hopefully some fruitful discussions this week."