TAFE teachers vote to take stopwork action

Teachers working in Victorian TAFEs have voted to further escalate industrial action, including stopwork actions, due to the state government's failure to offer fair pay rises and improved conditions.

A series of stopwork actions will be taken in June and July, before escalating to a 24-hour statewide stopwork on Wednesday 21 August, while a ban on attending meetings has also been added to existing bans and limitations on work. 

The escalation of industrial action follows on from previous actions, which commenced in April, following two years of failed negotiations with the state government and TAFE employers to provide a fair and reasonable offer for improved pay and conditions.

“For far too long, the state government and TAFEs have neglected the concerns of TAFE teachers, with experienced TAFE teachers paid almost $8000 less than similarly experienced school teachers. 

"The outcome of today’s vote shows that TAFE teachers are fed up with the inaction of the Allan Labor government and are willing to escalate industrial action to get a decent offer,” said Meredith Peace, AEU Victorian branch president.

“TAFE teachers are burning out due to excessive and unsustainable workloads, and too many are leaving the sector to return to industry, where they can be paid more without the added stress and heavy workloads they’re currently dealing with.

“This is unacceptable, particularly as Victoria deals with ongoing skills shortages, that require urgent intervention from the state government. Without TAFE teachers, Victoria will not address the skills shortage.

“Victorian TAFE teachers need to have their concerns addressed through new measures, including better recognition of and funded support for teaching qualifications, improved access to professional development, and a pay rise which values their work and retains and attracts teachers in TAFE, to address the shortage of TAFE teachers.”

The escalation of industrial action adds to union members existing bans and limitations, which include:

  • stopping work for the duration of any campus visit by a state Labor MP
  • bans on performance of Excess Teaching Duty Hours
  • bans on work related to auditing and professional development
  • bans on providing documents or other material related to audit processes or the validation and moderation of course materials
  • bans on recording student engagement or attendance 
  • bans on participation in promotional events including events designed to attract new students
  • bans on responding to management enquiries other than enquiries related to OHS matters, teacher’s entitlements, or student welfare.

“The Allan Labor government has repeatedly promised to save TAFE, yet their failure to come to the table and fairly negotiate shows they’ve turned their backs on TAFE teachers,” Ms Peace said.

“It’s time that they recognise the vital role TAFE teachers play in the community and put an agreement on the table that properly acknowledges their contribution to Victoria’s economy.” 

MEDIA CONTACT: WILL BREWSTER – 0458 809 472

17 May 2024