Central Victoria’s public school staff may soon become the highest-paid in Australia.
The Education Union and state government have reached an “in-principle” agreement regarding a new pay deal, which has now been put to teachers for consideration.
As part of the offer, employees at state-funded schools would see their wages increase by up to 34.2 percent over four years, beginning with an initial 12 percent rise from October this year.
Those figures, according to both parties, will mean Victorian teachers are earning more pay than their NSW counterparts – a key goal the Union had sought in their negotiations.
“Our teachers, school leaders and education support staff show up every day and this is about saying thank you,” Premier Jacinta Allan said in a statement.
“We’ve always said our public school educators deserve a pay rise – that is what we’re delivering.”
Her deputy and Education Minister, Ben Carroll added: “This reflects the important work our educators do every day teaching and shaping our youngest Victorians.”
The Union released a statement on Friday showing its support for the agreement.
“This is a win for teachers, educators, principals and education support staff, but it’s also a win for all Victorians,” Victorian branch president Justin Mulally said.
“Nationally competitive pay and measures to tackle overwork and burnout will help keep experienced educators in the sector and attract the next generation.”
Union members will vote on whether or not to accept the agreement at an as-yet unconfirmed date.
Should a majority vote in favour of the proposal, a teacher at the highest level will see their annual salary increase from $118 thousand, to $151 thousand by 2029.
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