Teachers, principals and education support staff will stop work for 24 hours on Thursday, July 23, after 51.18 per cent of union members voted against a proposed 28.3 per cent pay rise over four years
Victorian public schools are preparing for widespread disruption after teachers, principals and education support workers confirmed they will strike across the state on Thursday, July 23.
The Australian Education Union’s Victorian branch announced the 24-hour stoppage after members narrowly rejected the state government’s latest pay offer.
A total of 50,677 AEU members participated in the ballot. Of those, 48.82 per cent voted to accept the offer, while 51.18 per cent voted against it.
The result means industrial action will proceed, with union members expected to rally in central Melbourne before marching to the Victorian Parliament.
Government Offer Rejected
The government’s proposal included a total pay increase of 28.3 per cent over four years.
Despite the size of the headline figure, a majority of union members concluded that the offer did not go far enough to address rising living costs, staff shortages and growing pressure inside public schools.
The dispute has continued for months and extends beyond salaries.
Teachers and education workers have also raised concerns about excessive workloads, difficult classroom conditions, administrative demands and the ability of the system to attract and retain experienced staff.
Statewide 24-Hour Strike
“We will be stopping work for 24 hours on Thursday, 23 July right across the state,” the union said in a statement.
“We will rally in the city and march to Parliament.”
Schools across Victoria may be forced to close, reduce classes or operate with limited supervision, depending on how many staff members participate.
Parents and carers are expected to receive information directly from their schools about arrangements for the day.
The stoppage will affect not only classroom teachers, but also principals and education support workers who perform essential administrative, disability support and student welfare roles.
Months of Industrial Dispute
Thursday’s action will not be the first major walkout during the dispute.
In March, more than 35,000 teachers, principals and education support workers stopped work as part of an earlier statewide protest.
That action demonstrated the level of frustration within Victoria’s public education system and increased pressure on the government to improve its offer.
The latest proposal, however, failed to secure enough support to end the dispute.
Union Members Deeply Divided
The result of the ballot reveals a closely divided workforce.
Almost half of those who voted were prepared to accept the agreement, possibly viewing the proposed increase as substantial and wanting to bring the lengthy negotiations to an end.
A narrow majority instead chose to continue the campaign.
The margin between the two sides was just 2.36 percentage points, highlighting the challenge facing union leaders as they attempt to maintain unity while seeking a stronger deal.
The close vote also suggests that an agreement may still be possible if the government offers further improvements or stronger guarantees on workload and staffing.
Cost-of-Living Pressures
Teachers argue that salary increases must be considered against years of inflation and the rising cost of housing, mortgages, energy, transport and essential goods.
Many workers say their real purchasing power has declined despite nominal wage increases.
The union also argues that competitive salaries are necessary to prevent experienced staff from leaving the profession and to encourage more graduates to enter public education.
Staff shortages have increased workloads for those who remain, with teachers often required to cover absent colleagues, manage larger or more complex classes and spend additional hours completing administrative tasks.
More Than a Pay Dispute
The industrial dispute is not limited to wages.
Teachers and principals have repeatedly raised concerns about burnout, workload and the increasing complexity of student needs.
Education support workers are also seeking greater recognition for their role in assisting students with disabilities, supporting wellbeing programs and keeping schools functioning.
The union argues that without improved conditions, public schools will struggle to maintain teaching quality and provide consistent support to students.
It says the strike is intended to defend the long-term future of public education rather than simply improve individual pay packets.
Disruption for Families
The strike is likely to create significant difficulties for families across Victoria.
Parents may need to arrange alternative care if schools close or cannot provide normal classes.
Some schools may remain open with reduced services, while others may advise students not to attend.
The union has acknowledged the disruption but says industrial action has become necessary after months of unsuccessful negotiations.
It argues that current conditions are already affecting students through staff shortages, cancelled programs and reduced continuity in classrooms.
Pressure Returns to the Government
The rejection of the offer is a setback for the Victorian government, which had hoped the proposed four-year agreement would resolve the dispute.
The government must now decide whether to return to negotiations with an improved package or maintain its current position and allow the strike to proceed.
The narrow ballot result may encourage both sides to seek a compromise.
However, unless a last-minute agreement is reached, public schools across Victoria will stop work on Thursday as thousands of education workers march to Parliament demanding better pay and working conditions.
