TAFE teachers are celebrating a major win, after the Australian Education Union Victorian branch achieved a new agreement that will significantly increase salaries and improve working conditions for TAFE teachers in Victoria.
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The new agreement will deliver a minimum salary increase of 21% over four years, including a 14% increase in the first 14 months of the deal.
The first increase, backdated to November 2024, will bring Victorian TAFE teachers into line with similarly qualified and experienced Victorian public school teachers.
The top rate for a classroom based TAFE teacher will grow to $134,775 by the end of the agreement. A current Level 3.3 teacher’s salary increases from $107,995 to $130,672 by the end of the agreement, with an increase of $9,769 at the commencement of the agreement. A current Level 1.2 teacher’s salary increases from $83,429 to $100,912 by the end of the agreement, with an increase of $7,515 at the commencement of the agreement.
Under the new agreement, for every hour of teaching TAFE teachers will have 45 minutes of planning time, up from the current 30 minutes. In-class assessments will now also be counted as teaching. Both measures will allow TAFE teachers more time to deliver quality teaching and learning and to support their students.
AEU Victorian Branch President Justin Mullaly said the agreement was a great outcome for TAFE teachers after taking industrial action and campaigning for a new deal for more than two-and-a-half years.
“This is a massive win for Victorian TAFE teachers, who have tirelessly campaigned for improved salaries and conditions for nearly three years,” Mr Mullaly said.
"Victorian TAFE teachers have been overworked and underpaid for far too long, leading to burnout and teachers leaving our TAFEs.
“This new agreement recognises the critical role TAFE teachers play in the community and acknowledges their contribution to Victoria’s economy, particularly within regional communities where TAFE provides significant vocational pathways for students.
"We all know that Victoria is currently experiencing a skills shortage in almost every occupation that requires a vocational education qualification.
“Victoria cannot address this shortage of skills without addressing the key concerns of TAFE teachers which are causing them to leave the classroom. This agreement does just that.
“We would like to commend the dedication Victorian TAFE teachers have displayed during the prolonged period of industrial action that preceded today’s announcement. None of this would be possible without their hard work as union members,” Mr Mullaly said.
Media Content: Alys Gagnon – 0438 379 977
7 February 2025