Teachers strike pay deal after ‘generational’ strike
Public teachers have voted to accept a “fair and affordable” new pay deal following a bitter labor dispute with the state government.
The three-year agreement provides for a three per cent increase for Tasmania’s public sector teaching workforce in years one and two, and a 2.75 per cent increase in year three.
Hundreds of education staff and members of other unions marched outside parliament in March, campaigning for better pay and conditions and calling for schools to be closed during a once-in-a-generation strike in Hobart and surrounding areas of southern Tasmania.
Monday’s vote was supported by 72 per cent of Australian Education Union Tasmania members, which include teachers, psychologists, education support professionals and school leaders.
“These gains were only possible when you and your colleagues took action together,” a union spokesman said.
“The past 12 months have seen our first 24-hour strikes and unprecedented work bans in a generation.
“While the new deal will not solve the education crisis overnight, it will go some way towards easing pressure on schools – that is something to celebrate.”
Education Minister Jo Palmer confirmed on Monday that the union had formally accepted the offer.
“We value the hard work of our teachers and school staff, and this agreement recognizes the important role they play in our classrooms every day,” he said. “This is a fair and affordable deal that provides long-term certainty, delivers meaningful wage increases and improves conditions in key priority areas.” The agreement includes reduced teacher workload, more school psychologists, improved student outcomes and professional support.
It comes as teachers in Victoria continue to bargain with the state government for a better pay deal and the union has warned of school cuts as educators consider further strike action.
The teachers’ union and the state Labor government are at loggerheads over a pay deal after a bid for an 18.5 per cent increase over four years was rejected.
The union wants a 35 percent wage increase over three years, along with measures to address work overload and ongoing staff shortages.
