Teachers walk off the job for second time as AEU pushes government for deal

Victorian public school teachers will strike for the second time this year as they continue their push for improved working conditions.

Teachers will stop work for 24 hours on Thursday 23 July.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian branch confirmed the industrial action on Tuesday night, alongside a continuation of its ban on unpaid overtime.

The action was endorsed by the AEU Joint Primary and Secondary Sector Councillors following consultation with union members during the school holiday period.

AEU Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly said the strike was aimed at increasing pressure on the state government during negotiations.

Members rejected an offer in June that would have delivered pay rises of up to 32 per cent for some teachers, claiming the offer did not adequately address teachers’ concerns.

Alongside pay, key concerns include working conditions, workloads, unpaid overtime and overnight camp allowances.

“When the state government has made the decision to not fully fund public schools, it means that it’s the goodwill and the extra work of AEU members that are ensuring every one of our students gets the quality education that they deserve,” Mullaly said.

In March, Victorian public school teachers took strike action for the first time in 13 years. More than 35,000 people attended the rally in support.