For the first time in over 13 years public school teachers, principals, and education support staff are stopping work for 24 hours today.
Victorian Branch President Justin Mullaly said there are significant and ongoing staffing shortages affecting schools across the state, as Victorian public school staff continue to be the lowest paid in the country and increasingly overworked.
“Victorian teachers, principals, and support staff would much rather be in the classroom teaching Victorian students today, but because of the disrespect from the Allan Government, they are having to stop work for 24 hours.” Mr Mullaly said.
A recent survey showed only 30% of staff plan to stay working in public schools long-term, while more than 80% say their workloads have increased due to inadequate support.
By October 2026 experienced teachers will be earning as much as $15,359 a year ($295 per week) less than their NSW counterparts, a classroom based education support employee starting out would be 10.5% behind, and a Victorian school principal new to the role would start $27,841 or 18% behind a similar principal in NSW.
