Public school teachers in Victoria are currently the lowest paid in the country. Having rejected the state government’s offer, the Australian Education Union (AEU) is asking for a 35 per cent pay rise over four years.
The starting salary for a graduate teacher in Victoria is about $78,000. In NSW, it’s more than $87,000 and in the Northern Territory, it’s more than $92,000.
The government made its offer of 18 per cent last week, nine months after talks on a fresh pay and conditions deal began.
The AEU’s Victorian branch president, Justin Mullaly, said educators had been disrespected by the offer.
“Victorian teachers, principals, and support staff would much rather be in the classroom teaching Victorian students … but because of the disrespect from the Allan government, they are having to stop work for 24 hours,” Mullaly said.
“If the Allan Labor government really values the work of Victorian teachers, principals, and education support staff, they must come forward with an offer that addresses their real concerns.”
