Dozens of teachers and support staff from public schools across Central Victoria joined the 24-hour statewide strike action last Thursday July 23, calling for more funding for our schools and better conditions for teachers.
The local representatives joined tens of thousands of Victorian public school teachers and support staff at a rally in Melbourne.
This action followed the narrow rejection of a state government pay offer by members of the Australian Education Union, who voted down a proposed 28.3 per cent pay rise over four years, calling for better conditions instead.
The AEU wants smaller class sizes, higher pay for support staff, and less time spent in meetings to reduce heavy workloads.
The 24-hour strike action disrupted approximately 1,300 public schools across Victoria, forcing many parents to make alternative childcare arrangements.
However, some parents and children chose to join teachers in marching on parliament in support of their educators.
AEU branch president Justin Mullaly said they know that stop work action is disruptive for parents and students, and they don’t do this lightly.
“Families need to know why we’re taking this action,” he said.
“For too long, the state government has relied on the goodwill and unpaid work of public school staff to ensure students get access to a high-quality education.
“Right now, Victoria’s public schools are the lowest funded in the country,” Mullaly said.
“This under-funding is making the work of public school staff untenable. Public school teachers, principals and education support staff are overworked and undervalued, working an average of 12 hours unpaid overtime every week to make up for the state government’s funding shortfall.”
More stop-work action has been flagged if an agreement can not be reached. Will the new premier be able to break the deadlock?