Victorian Teachers Vote to Accept New Pay Deal, Ending Dispute

Victorian teachers and education staff have voted in favor of a revised pay deal offered by the state government, marking a significant resolution to a protracted bargaining process that included two statewide strikes. The decision signals an end to the months-long dispute over pay and working conditions.

The newly accepted offer promises substantial pay increases, ranging from 28.3 percent to 32.4 percent over four years. Additionally, staff will receive a $2,000 lump sum payment at the commencement of the agreement. Improvements to working conditions are also included, with guarantees aimed at reducing the number of mandatory meetings for teachers and providing dedicated professional practice days.

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Together we've been able to get a significant outcome that delivers real pay increases, real improvements to conditions and we got a commitment from the state government to deliver full funding for our schools.

Premier Ben Carroll has committed to fully funding public schools ahead of the November election, a key demand from the union. The Australian Education Union's Victorian branch reported strong support for the deal, with 83 percent of its members participating in the vote and 79 percent voting in favor. Consequently, a third 24-hour strike that had been scheduled for Wednesday has been canceled.

This agreement follows a previous government offer in June, which was rejected by 58 percent of teachers and education staff. The current revised deal will now proceed to a vote by all employees, as required by the Fair Work Act. Union members were congratulated by AEU Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly for securing what he described as a "significant outcome" that delivers real pay increases and improved conditions.

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Remember that there are more things that we need to do. We need to make our schools safer. We need to make sure the federal government delivers funding for school buildings and infrastructure and we need to make sure that state government delivers on their promise to fully fund our schools.