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Up to 35,000 teachers and education staff rallied in Melbourne’s CBD
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Around 500 public schools were either closed or significantly impacted
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The union is demanding a 35% pay rise over four years, smaller classes, and more support staff
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The government has offered 18.5% over four years, which the union says is inadequate
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Further rolling regional stoppages are being considered if negotiations do not progress
Victorian public school teachers have held their first statewide strike in 13 years, with up to 35,000 union members rallying in Melbourne’s CBD on Tuesday. The Australian Education Union (AEU) said approximately 500 schools were either closed or severely affected by the 24-hour stop-work action.
Crowds wearing AEU red marched from Trades Hall to Parliament House, carrying signs that criticised the Allan government’s handling of pay and conditions. Major CBD roads were closed, and tram and bus services were disrupted until mid-afternoon.
The union is seeking a 35% pay increase over four years, reduced class sizes, and improved mental health and classroom support. It entered enterprise bargaining negotiations about eight months ago.
After the union announced strike action, the government put forward an 18.5% pay offer over four years, which includes an immediate 8% rise for teachers and 4% for education staff, followed by 3% annual increases and a 1.5% overtime allowance. Union leaders have rejected the proposal, describing it as an attempt to divide staff.
AEU Victorian president Justin Mullaly warned that unless negotiations improve, the union will consider “rolling regional stoppages” as a next step. He pointed to a chronic teacher shortage, with departures from the workforce running at double the pre-pandemic rate.
Education Minister Ben Carroll said the government had done everything possible to avoid the strike, noting that further meetings with the union were scheduled. However, striking teachers said the government had underestimated their resolve, with many parents bringing children to the rally to show support.
The strike is the largest teachers’ stoppage in Victoria in more than a decade, and union leaders have indicated that further industrial action remains on the table if their demands are not met.
