Arabic version: رفض المعلمون في فيكتوريا عرض زيادة الرواتب، وإمكانية حدوث إضرابات مستقبلية

Victorian teachers have voted against a pay rise offer of up to 32%, disregarding their union’s advice. According to ABC News, the Australian Education Union (AEU) had previously reached an in-principle agreement with the state government, which included a four-year pay increase and additional student-free days.

Despite efforts from the AEU, which aimed for a 35% rise over three years, teachers felt the offer did not adequately address their concerns regarding pay and working conditions. The union’s president, Justin Mullaly, indicated that while just over 42% of members voted to accept the deal, almost 58% rejected it, reflecting deep dissatisfaction among educators.

Mullaly stated that the rejection signifies the stress teachers are under and their inability to perform their jobs effectively. He noted that education support staff were not offered the same pay improvements, which contributed to the discontent.

The AEU plans to hold an urgent meeting to discuss the next steps, including the possibility of further strike action. Mullaly emphasized that the government must renegotiate pay and conditions that would be acceptable to teachers, particularly in light of excessive workloads.

Labor frontbencher Harriet Shing confirmed that the state government would continue negotiations with the AEU, expressing hope for an agreement that satisfies teachers without resorting to strikes. In contrast, Shadow Education Minister Brad Rowswell criticized the government for being out of touch with educators’ needs, urging immediate action to resolve the matter.