Victorian teachers to get up to 32% pay rise in in-principle deal
The Victorian teachers' union and state government have struck an in-principle multi-year pay deal. Pay rises reach up to 32% for some grades, while the package also introduces new class-size rules.
The agreement was reached after weeks of talks between the Australian Education Union's Victoria branch and the state government. The new four-year contract is designed to help salaries catch up after years of falling behind inflation.
The package includes pay rises of about 21% at starting levels and up to 32% for more experienced teachers. It also introduces a 26-student class-size cap and new mechanisms to cut administrative workload. Members will vote on the deal in the coming weeks.
The state government said the package will cost about A$3.2 billion over four years. The opposition has voiced concerns about its impact on the state budget. Sector representatives said the agreement could become a template for negotiations in other Australian states.
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