The Australian Education Union Victorian Branch has welcomed the Federal Government’s wages offer for early childhood teachers and educators in the national multi-employer agreement.
"This will be critical to attract and retain early childhood teachers and educators; however, investment to address unsustainable workloads and other conditions also needed to be brought to the table”, Meredith Peace, AEU Victorian Branch President said.
“All the research shows that high quality, play-based learning in the early years can help set children up for life.
“But without early childhood teachers and educators, there is no early childhood education and care.
“With 11,000 more teachers and educators required in Victoria over the next decade, professional pay and good working conditions are key to attract and retain this growing workforce.
“The wages offer brought to the bargaining table by the Federal Government today is an important first step in addressing the concerns of early childhood teachers and educators.
“However, early childhood teachers and educators are also looking to the Federal Government for additional investment for the inclusion of entitlements that address workload.
“When early childhood teachers and educators are supported to stay in the profession, children will benefit from consistent, high-quality educational programs,” Ms Peace said.
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8 August 2024