More than 60,000 Victorian public school teachers, principals and education support staff have voted down the state government's latest pay and conditions offer. It is the first time in more than 40 years that members have rejected a deal endorsed by the Australian Education Union.
Close to 58% of voting members opposed the offer, with 57.7% against and 42.3% in favour, according to results released last week. The rejected proposal would have lifted pay 28% to 32% over four years, taking an experienced teacher's salary from $118,063 to $151,419 by 2029.
The Canberra Times reported that the government's initial offer of 17% rose to 28% after a March strike, before being revised again in May.
The offer followed a 24-hour strike in March, in which more than 35,000 educators marched on state parliament.
Workload, funding cited as sticking points
AEU Victorian Branch president Justin Mullaly said the in-principle agreement failed to address members' core concerns despite improvements made since March.
"We will meet to determine the next steps our union will take in our campaign to get the Allan Labor government to deliver improved pay and conditions, including in relation to excessive workloads, and to get the state and federal governments to sign a funding agreement to fully fund every Victorian public school just like public schools are in every other state and territory," Mullaly said.
"Victorian public school teachers, education support employees, and school leaders are undervalued and overworked, averaging 12 unpaid hours per week, and our public schools are the lowest funded in Australia."
The union's Joint Primary and Secondary Sector Council voted to restart negotiations with the Department of Education immediately. It also reinstated previously suspended industrial bans, including one barring state Labor politicians from visiting public schools, and will survey members on further industrial action.
Government, opposition urge quick resolution
Education minister Ben Carroll said the union's leadership was out of touch with its members. He warned the offer might not remain on the table if a different government were elected at the state poll in five months, according to The Canberra Times.
Opposition education spokesman Brad Rowswell urged premier Jacinta Allan to return to the negotiating table urgently, saying the delay was also affecting parents and students.
A faction of members, Fight the Crisis, is campaigning for a further strike on August 4, ahead of the union's State Council meeting on July 17. The Joint Primary and Secondary Sector Council is expected to report back to members once a revised position is reached with the Department.