Industrial Action by Teachers in Victoria and Tasmania Over Pay and Conditions

Teachers and education staff in Victoria and Tasmania have undertaken industrial action, including strikes and work bans, in disputes with their respective state governments over pay and working conditions. The actions have led to school closures and disruptions, with negotiations ongoing in both states.

Summary of Industrial Actions

Victoria

On March 24, 2026, approximately 35,000 Victorian public school teachers, principals, and education support staff participated in a 24-hour statewide strike, the first of its kind in the state in 13 years.

A protest march was held in Melbourne's central business district. The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian branch has announced a plan for rolling half-day regional strikes throughout Term 2 (late April to late June 2026), beginning May 4. These will involve stoppages in specific geographic areas, with teachers rallying at local state Labor MP offices.

Concurrent work bans have been implemented, including refusing to write comments on school reports, attend certain meetings, implement new Department of Education initiatives, or respond to department emails.

Tasmania

The AEU Tasmania branch organized a series of regional strikes in late March 2026, leading to the closure of public schools across the state. Schools in the north-west closed on a Tuesday, schools in the north on Wednesday, and schools in the south on Thursday.

Other Actions

Teachers at Lauriston Girls' School, a private school in Melbourne, began protected industrial action on April 20, 2026, following a stalemate in their enterprise bargaining negotiations.

Core Issues in Dispute

Pay Disparities and Union Demands

The AEU Victorian branch is seeking a 35% pay increase for its members over three years. The union states that Victorian public school teachers are the lowest-paid in Australia, with salary differences of $10,000 to $15,000 per year compared to counterparts in states like New South Wales.

The Victorian government has offered a 17% pay increase over four years, plus a 1.5% overtime allowance. The government states this offer is intended to bring Victorian teacher wages to parity with other states.

A separate point of contention in Victoria is the government's offer of a 13% pay rise plus the overtime allowance for education support staff, whose entry-level salaries are under $52,000. The AEU is seeking a single agreement for all staff.

In Tasmania, the government has offered pay increases of 3% in the first year, 3% in the second, and 2.75% in the third. The AEU Tasmania branch has rejected this offer.

Workload and Conditions

Unions in both states cite excessive workloads, unpaid overtime, staff shortages, and burnout as key concerns.

The AEU Victoria has also called for measures to reduce class sizes and increase support staff and allied health resources in schools.

School Funding

In Victoria, the union has criticized the state government's decision to delay its commitment to provide 75% of the national Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) for public schools from 2028 to 2031, which it states creates a funding shortfall.

Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll has argued that analyses of school funding often exclude state infrastructure spending, which he states should be considered.

Statements from Involved Parties

Union Representatives

Justin Mullaly, AEU Victorian branch president, stated the industrial action is a response to the government's perceived failure to value educators' work and properly fund schools. He said negotiations continue "on an almost daily basis."

David Genford, AEU Tasmania branch president, said the union's key concerns included ambiguous wording in the government's offer related to workforce size and a lack of sufficient measures to address teacher workloads.

Government Officials

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has described the government's pay offer as "strong" and urged the union to remain at the negotiating table, stating the strike action is disruptive to families.

Victorian Education Minister Ben Carroll stated the government is committed to reaching a "good, fair deal" and securing competitive wages for teachers.

Tasmanian Education Minister Jo Palmer expressed disappointment over the strikes, stating the government's offer addressed previously raised concerns and that the action disrupts student learning.

Other Perspectives

Parents Victoria, an advocacy group, expressed support for the principle behind the Victorian strike but acknowledged the disruption for families.

The Independent Education Union, representing staff in non-government schools, voiced support for their public-sector colleagues in Victoria.

Impact and Context

• The strikes have resulted in widespread school closures or limited supervision for students, requiring many parents to make alternative childcare arrangements.
• Some Victorian teachers, particularly in border regions, have reported relocating to New South Wales for higher salaries.
• Union membership in Victoria reportedly grew significantly during the dispute, from less than 42,000 to more than 60,000.
• The AEU in both states has indicated that further industrial action is possible if agreements are not reached.