[Greens-Media] (VIC MLC Sue Pennicuik) Victorian Teachers' wage negotiations at a stand still

[Amanda.Sharp at parliament.vic.gov.au]

29th February 2008

Victorian Teachers' wage negotiations at a stand still


Negotiations for better pay and conditions for Victorian public school
teachers have reached a stand still after more than ten months of
negotiations have failed to produce an agreement.

Greens MP Sue Pennicuik last night in Parliament called on the government
to secure funding to bring an end to this long running wage dispute.

"The government must rectify this untenable situation with fair and
equitable wages and working conditions for our teachers as a matter of
priority.

"Victoria police and nurses have both concluded wage negotiations with
outcomes of more than 3.25% pay increases per annum and yet the government
refuses to consider this for its own teachers," Ms Pennicuik said.

"Victorian teachers continue to remain the lowest paid in Australia and
haven’t received a wage increase since 2006. If other states can find the
money to pay higher teacher salaries why can’t Victoria?"

"Underpaying them and not valuing our teachers properly is forcing many to
move interstate and overseas or to leave the profession all together. This
will certainly exacerbate severe staffing shortages now and in the future.

"If the government is serious that education is its number one priority and
want a first class education system then it needs to quickly resolve this
protracted dispute and secure funding in the state budget without
compromising working conditions or educational standards in schools," Ms
Pennicuik said.


For further information:   Sue Pennicuik   0407 000 270



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