Industrial action in Victorian public schools is set to escalate again in Term 3, with the Australian Education Union (AEU) formally notifying the Department of Education that suspended bans and limitations will recommence on Monday 13 July 2026, the first day of term.
The move follows a decisive vote by AEU members to reject the Victorian Government’s latest pay and conditions offer, delivered in May. According to the union, a majority of members believe the offer fails to address chronic workload pressures, staffing shortages, and the widening pay gap between Victorian teachers and their interstate counterparts.
The AEU’s Joint Primary and Secondary Council has also voted to engage members on next campaign steps, including the possibility of further industrial action if negotiations do not progress.
The union’s position remains anchored in long‑standing concerns:
- Victorian public schools are the lowest funded in Australia,
- Teacher and ES staff shortages are affecting learning and wellbeing,
- Workload intensification continues to drive burnout and attrition,
- The government’s offer does not meet the union’s expectations for a “fair and decent” agreement.
The AEU continues to represent more than 50,000 educators across public schools, TAFE, early childhood, AMES and disability services, positioning the campaign as part of a broader fight for sustainable public education in Victoria.
With industrial action restarting in July, schools and families should expect renewed disruption to administrative tasks, meetings, reporting processes, and other duties covered by protected bans.
Timeline
January 2026
- Bargaining intensifies for a new Victorian Government Schools Agreement.
- AEU signals that staffing shortages and workload pressures remain unresolved.
February 2026
- Members begin low‑level protected action (meetings bans, administrative limitations).
- Government offer flagged but not formally tabled.
March 2026
- 23 March: AEU announces statewide stop‑work action — the first in 13 years.
- Union cites inadequate pay offer, severe shortages, and frozen funding levels.
- Parents Victoria issues statements acknowledging disruption but supporting the need for fair pay and proper resourcing.
April 2026
- Negotiations continue; no settlement reached.
- Industrial action remains authorised but is partially suspended pending further talks.
May 2026
- Government presents updated offer (rejected by members).
- Workload relief and staffing guarantees remain key sticking points.
June 2026
- 19 June: AEU members formally vote to reject the government’s offer.
- AEU Joint Council votes to prepare members for further industrial action.
- 29 June: Parents Victoria publicly confirms that teacher industrial action is still affecting school reporting processes.
- AEU publishes new updates urging the government to restart negotiations.
July 2026 (Term 3)
- 13 July: AEU formally notifies the Department that suspended bans and limitations will recommence.
- Further escalation remains possible depending on bargaining progress.