Geelong TAFE teachers are celebrating a win following a new deal with the state government for better pay and conditions.
The Australian Education Union (AEU) Victorian Branch reached an agreement with the state government on February 7 to deliver a minimum salary increase of 21 per cent over four years.
There will be a 14 per cent increase in the first 14 months of the deal and an increase in hours to deliver quality teaching and learning and improved parental and cultural leave.
AEU The Gordon Geelong Branch president Matt Henry said the agreement was a “direct result of the persistence and commitment of AEU members”.
“It’s a principal agreement, but we’re very happy to have something at least on the table that we can now start to move forward with,” he said.
“This agreement recognises that one of the central roles of teachers is supporting students, that will make better outcomes for students and staff.
“The agreement will mean that with increasing pay and improved conditions, teachers will be encouraged to stay in the sector and make recruiting new teaching staff easier.
“The Gordon TAFE has been an institution in Geelong for over 100 years, so when we’re talking about a skills shortage across the state, the first step towards rectifying that is having a strong TAFE system.”
The agreement followed industrial actions conducted by AEU members and TAFE teachers across the state starting in June last year, which included a 24-hour strike in August.
AEU Victorian Branch president Justin Mullaly said the agreement recognised the “critical role TAFE teachers play in the community” and acknowledged their contribution to the economy.
“Victorian TAFE teachers have been overworked and underpaid for far too long, leading to burnout and teachers leaving our TAFEs,” he said.
“This is a massive win for Victorian TAFE teachers, who have tirelessly campaigned for improved salaries and conditions for nearly three years.
“We would like to commend the dedication Victorian TAFE teachers have displayed during the prolonged period of industrial action. None of this would be possible without their hard work.”
Grandparent and foster parent leave will also be introduced, with the agreement following the addition of Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to the Free TAFE list.
Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney said the deal helped encourage people to pursue a career in TAFE teaching.
“We’re proud to give our TAFE teachers better pay and conditions as it’s absolutely what they deserve,” she said.
“Our TAFE teachers are world-class and they’re training our state’s future workforce to build the homes we need, support our clean energy transition, and provide care for those who need it.”
