Students across the Mornington Peninsula and Frankston were among those affected on Tuesday, 24 March, as public school teachers, principals and education support staff across Victoria walked off the job in a major dispute over pay, workload and school funding.
Statewide Disruption Felt Across Victoria
The 24-hour industrial action marked Victoria’s first statewide teachers’ strike in 13 years, with widespread disruption reported across the public school system. The Australian Education Union expected about 500 government schools to be closed or significantly affected, while Victoria Police estimated about 35,000 people attended the Melbourne rally.
Teachers, principals and education support staff marched from Victoria Trades Hall to Parliament House as the long-running enterprise bargaining dispute escalated. The Department of Education confirmed the union formally notified it on 13 March of its intention to begin protected industrial action and work bans, and that only AEU members could take part.
Union Pushes For Higher Pay And Better Conditions
The Australian Education Union says staff are seeking a 35 per cent pay rise over four years, along with measures aimed at reducing excessive workloads, addressing staff shortages, improving classroom support and strengthening conditions in public schools. The union has also argued experienced Victorian teachers could be earning up to $15,359 less a year than comparable teachers in New South Wales by October 2026.
The AEU has linked the industrial action to broader concerns about staff retention and pressure on the public education system. In a recent union statement, it said only 30 per cent of staff planned to remain working in public schools long term, while more than 80 per cent said workloads had increased due to inadequate support.
Government Rejects Union Claim Offer Falls Short
The Allan government has rejected the union’s claim that its offer is inadequate. Earlier reporting from ABC said the government’s package included an 8 per cent pay rise for teachers and a 4 per cent rise for education support staff from April, followed by annual 3 per cent increases over the next three years. Education Minister Ben Carroll said the overall package was closer to 18.5 per cent once a commuted allowance was included.
Premier Jacinta Allan had urged teachers to call off the strike, arguing the action would cause disruption for families. The union, however, has warned further industrial action remains possible if negotiations do not improve, with rolling regional stoppages among the options flagged.
Local Impact On The Mornington Peninsula
While the rally took place in Melbourne, the impact was felt well beyond the city. Local schools on the Mornington Peninsula were among those affected, with some students staying home as classes were disrupted. STPL News understands Somerville Secondary College was among the schools affected by the strike.
The action has again put a spotlight on teacher retention, growing workloads and concern over whether Victoria is doing enough to keep experienced staff in the public education system. Negotiations between the union and the state government are continuing.
