In short:
Victorian public school teachers, principals and education support staff will stage another 24-hour statewide strike on 19 August after negotiations with the State Government stalled.
Strike Three For Education Staff
Victoria’s public school teachers, principals and education support staff will walk off the job again next month, with the Australian Education Union (AEU) announcing a 24-hour statewide strike on 19 August as its dispute with the State Government deepens.
The latest industrial action marks another major challenge for newly sworn-in Premier Ben Carroll, who also retains the education portfolio.
The strike follows an earlier statewide walkout in March and another 24-hour stop work on 23 July, with the union saying the government has failed to provide a revised pay and conditions offer that members are willing to accept.
The AEU also continues to demand the Victorian Government secure a funding agreement with the Commonwealth to fully fund public schools.
AEU Victorian Branch president Justin Mullaly said members remained frustrated after more than a year of bargaining.
New Rank, Same Situation
“Premier Ben Carroll must answer the question, how can you call Victoria ‘the education state’ when Victoria’s public schools are the lowest funded in the country?,” Mr Mullaly said.
“How can you call Victoria ‘the education state’ when our teachers, principals and education support staff are overworked and undervalued?
“The answer is you can’t.”
Mr Mullaly said members would continue campaigning until the government reached a full school funding agreement with the Federal Government and delivered a pay and conditions offer they considered acceptable.
The 24-hour strike is scheduled for Wednesday, 19 August, with public schools across Victoria expected to be affected.
