Tasmanian public teachers have voted to accept a “fair and affordable” new pay deal after a bitter industrial dispute with the State Government.
The three-year agreement provides 3% increases in the first and second years, with 2.75% in the third year for Tasmania’s public-sector teaching workforce.
Hundreds of education staff and members of other unions rallied outside parliament in March, campaigning for better pay and conditions and shutting down schools during a once-in-a-generation strike in Hobart and the surrounding areas of southern Tasmania.
The vote on Monday was backed by 72% of Australian Education Union Tasmania members, which includes teachers, psychologists, education support specialists and school leaders.
“These wins were only possible because you and your coworkers took action together,” a union spokesperson said.
“The past 12 months have seen our first 24-hour strikes in a generation, as well as unprecedented work bans.
“While the new agreement won’t solve the education crisis overnight, it will go some way towards alleviating pressure in schools – that’s something to celebrate.”
Educational Minister, Jo Palmer confirmed the union had formally accepted the proposal on Monday.
“We value the hard work of our teachers and school staff, and this agreement recognises the important role they play in our classrooms every day,” she said.
“This is a fair and affordable deal that provides long-term certainty, delivers meaningful pay increases, and improves conditions in key priority areas.”
The agreement includes reduced teacher workloads, more school psychologists, improved student outcomes and professional support.
It comes as teachers in Victoria continue to negotiate with the state government for a better pay deal, with their union warning school disruptions are on the cards as educators consider further strike action.
The teachers’ union and state Labor government have been at loggerheads over a pay deal after an offer of an 18.5% increase over four years was rejected.
The union wants a 35% pay rise over three years, along with measures to address excessive workloads and ongoing staffing shortages.
Source: AAP.
