Victoria Teachers Strike for Better Pay and Conditions

On March 24, 2026, thousands of public school teachers, principals, and education support staff in Victoria participated in a strike, marking the first such action in over 13 years. The Australian Education Union (AEU) reported that up to 500 schools were either closed or significantly affected, prompting parents to refrain from sending their children to school. The rally commenced at Victorian Trades Hall and concluded at the state parliament, with an estimated 15,000 participants, approximately half of the AEU's 30,000 members.

The Guardian

The strike was driven by concerns over low pay and excessive workloads. Justin Mullaly, the AEU’s Victorian president, highlighted that teachers were increasingly stretched due to a shortage of staff, with many educators leaving the state for better-paying positions. Ed Arthur, the primary leader at the Victorian School for the Deaf, echoed this sentiment, stating that the lack of teachers was a significant issue. The Fair Work Commission had approved the strike after 98% of AEU members voted in favor of the action.

The Guardian

The AEU had been engaged in Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) negotiations for approximately eight months, seeking a 35% pay rise over four years, smaller class sizes, and enhanced mental health support. In response, the Victorian government offered an 18.5% pay increase, which included an 8% rise for teachers and a 4% rise for education staff, effective in April, followed by 3% increases in the subsequent years. This offer was made only after the union announced the strike.

The Guardian

While public schools faced disruptions, Catholic and independent schools operated normally. However, the Independent Education Union (IEU) expressed solidarity with the AEU, emphasizing that salaries in Victorian education had fallen significantly behind those in other states. David Brear, the IEU's general secretary, stated that the union fully supported the AEU's campaign for fair pay and improvements in workload and staff wellbeing.

The Guardian

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan had urged the AEU to reconsider the strike, indicating that the government was willing to negotiate. Despite this, the sentiment among teachers remained one of frustration, particularly regarding their pay, which has been described as the lowest in the country. Sally McManus, secretary of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, noted a "real depth of anger" among teachers, stemming from sacrifices made during COVID-19 lockdowns.

The Guardian

• “There’s a real depth of anger amongst Victorian teachers,” — Sally McManus, Secretary, Australian Council of Trade Unions

The Guardian

• “Salaries in Victorian education have fallen significantly below those in other states, and we fully back the AEU campaign for fair pay and urgent improvements to workload and staff wellbeing,” — David Brear, General Secretary, Independent Education Union

The Guardian

The strike reflects ongoing tensions in Victoria's education sector, as teachers advocate for better pay and working conditions amidst a backdrop of staffing shortages and rising living costs. The outcome of the negotiations and the government's response will be pivotal in shaping the future of public education in the state.

The Guardian