Teachers’ union backs latest government pay deal

The leadership of the Australian Education Union (AEU) has today settled on a deal on wages and conditions with the state government after almost a year of negotiations.

The Victorian branch of the AEU’s Joint Primary and Secondary Sector Council has endorsed an agreement to end the dispute.

Under the deal, teachers will receive a pay rise of between 28 per cent and 32 per cent over four years.

This means by 2030, a teacher at the top of the scale will receive $151,419 and a new graduate teacher will receive $105,384, in line with pay scales in New South Wales.

The in-kind agreement also addresses improvements to conditions and workloads.

“There will be eight student-free days from 2027 including four professional practice days for teachers and ES,” AEU Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly said.

“It’s a significant improvement and will provide real time for members to get the important work that they need to do around planning and preparation done.

“There’s also improvements to time in lieu with a new camp allowance.”

Public school teachers, principals and support workers went on strike for the first time in 13 years in March and were due to carry out rolling strike action through term two.

Action was put on hold for two weeks to allow for further negotiations at the start of May.

The agreement will now be taken to union members to vote.

“This is all about your effort and now it’s over to you,” Mullaly said.

“The council has endorsed the ratification process that gives every member a say. This is an agreement that is worthy of your support is worthy of your endorsement.”