Teachers reject 32pc pay rise offer, strikes back on table

VICTORIAN public school teachers have rejected a pay deal worth up to 32 per cent over four years,

raising the prospect of further industrial action in schools across the state.

Members of the Australian Education Union (AEU) last week voted against an in-principle agreement reached with the state government in May.

The agreement would have delivered pay rises of between 28 and 32 per cent over four years, along with more student-free days.

But 58 per cent of union members rejected the deal, saying it did not adequately address their concerns.

The vote follows a lengthy campaign that included the first Victorian teacher strike in 13 years.

The union’s 120-member joint primary and secondary council has since voted to survey members to determine next steps, including the potential for further industrial action.

But AEU Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly on Tuesday dismissed rumours that action had already been planned for August.

 

“The fact that Victoria’s public schools remain the lowest funded in the country is a core issue for public school employees as it is a central cause of excessive workloads and the average of 12 hours underpaid overtime worked each week,” Mullaly said.

“At the same time, teachers, education support employees and school leaders in our public schools are undervalued.”

The council also resolved to lift the suspension on industrial bans and limitations on work, including a ban on state Labor politicians attending public schools.

A survey will be sent to union members to gather feedback on priorities for future negotiations and campaign actions.

Teachers had previously planned rolling industrial action throughout term 2 but suspended those plans after the in-principle agreement was reached.

The union will continue negotiations with the state government.