Geelong TAFE teachers continue pushing for better pay and working conditions as industrial actions occur across the state.
Australian Education Union (AEU) representatives and TAFE teachers stopped work and gathered outside Minister for Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney’s office on Yarra Street from 11.30am on July 24.
AEU Victorian Branch deputy secretary Seir Holley said it had been more than two years since negotiations started and 20 months since TAFE teachers received a pay rise.
“There are workforce shortages in every industry, and TAFE teachers are the third highest shortage area,” she said.
“We are not going to be able to address the skilled worker shortage without TAFE teachers…and the state government was elected on the back of a commitment they had, saying they would save TAFE.
“If they are genuine about saving TAFE, then they need to respect TAFE teachers and really offer them a deal that has fair pay and address the workload issues facing teachers.
“We’re not going to stop, we are committed to getting a deal for TAFE teachers that is fair and decent and we will continue with this protective industrial action until we achieve that.”
In a letter addressed to the Geelong Independent in response to previous industrial actions, Minister Tierney said she valued the “commitment and professionalism” of TAFE educators.
“We understand that without TAFE teachers and staff, it would be impossible to train the current and future generation of working people our community needs,” she said.
“Since 2014, the Victorian government has invested over $4.6 billion in TAFE and tertiary education, which includes $627 million into much-needed TAFE infrastructure.
“Victoria’s TAFE teachers are held in high esteem by this government. That is why the government has provided funding to support the professional development of TAFE teaching staff.
“The Allan Labor government supports workers, supports TAFE teachers, and are committed to ensuring TAFE teachers can negotiate a fair deal across the entire TAFE Network.”
The AEU will conduct a 24-hour stop-work action in August if the state government does not properly address its concerns.
