Victorian teachers set to strike again following deadlocked negotiations

Victorian public school teachers are preparing for another round of strikes, scheduled for July 23, after stalled negotiations with the state government failed to resolve disputes over pay and working conditions. The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian Branch confirmed the decision for a 24-hour industrial action, citing excessive workloads and inadequate funding as key concerns. The strike comes nearly four months after a similar walkout in March, marking the first such coordinated action in over a decade. Negotiations between the AEU and the Victorian government have been deadlocked for several weeks, despite earlier indications of progress. In May, the two sides reportedly reached an in-principle agreement that would have granted teachers a pay increase of between 28 and 32 percent over four years, along with additional student-free days. However, the proposed deal was rejected by union members during a vote in June, who opted against accepting the offer. This rejection forced the AEU to reconsider its position and push for renewed negotiations. According to AEU Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly, the current stalemate stems from the government’s refusal to provide sufficient funding for public schools. He accused the state government of deliberately withholding at least $2.4 billion in funds, leaving schools among the worst-funded in Australia. Teachers, principals, and support staff, according to Mullaly, are currently averaging 12 hours of unpaid overtime each week due to the lack of resources and staffing shortages. The AEU has warned that the existing workload pressures are driving many workers away from the profession. Only three in 10 employees expect to stay in public education until retirement, with excessive workloads cited as a primary reason for considering departure. These figures underscore the growing crisis within the sector, with staff feeling overburdened and undervalued. The Victorian government has repeatedly called on the AEU to abandon the planned strike and return to the bargaining table. A government spokesperson emphasized that the previously agreed-upon deal would have positioned Victorian teachers as some of the highest-paid professionals in the nation, alongside improved working conditions. They expressed concern over the potential disruption caused by the upcoming strike, urging the union to prioritize the interests of students and families affected by the industrial action. The March strike drew widespread attention, with thousands of teachers and supporters gathering in central Melbourne to demand better conditions. Police estimated around 35,000 people attended the demonstration, making it one of the largest protests in recent memory. That strike followed a long period of negotiation breakdowns, mirroring a similar situation in 2013 when the AEU staged a statewide walkout after talks collapsed with the previous government. With the new strike date approaching, both sides appear unlikely to compromise soon. The AEU has reiterated its stance that the government must address systemic underfunding before any resolution can be reached. Meanwhile, the state government continues to advocate for returning to the negotiating table to finalize the earlier agreement. As the deadline nears, the focus shifts to whether either party will make concessions to avoid further disruptions in the education sector.