Victoria teachers to vote on government pay offer ahead of scheduled strike

The Victorian government has put forward a fresh pay offer to public-school teachers and education staff, and the Australian Education Union has opened a ballot for members to decide its fate. The deal keeps the previously negotiated 28-32% increase based on role, adds a $2,000 lump-sum for signing, caps face-to-face teaching hours, reduces meeting time by one hour, and includes a 1% annual lump-sum for employees at the top of their pay bands.

Voting began this evening and will close on August 17, ahead of a 24-hour statewide strike scheduled for August 19. Premier Ben Carroll recently pledged additional school funding under the former Gonski plan, and Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said the offer reflects good-faith negotiations. Union Victorian branch president Justin Mullaly described the proposal as a significant step but emphasized that the union will let members vote democratically. If a majority backs the offer, the strike will be called off.