NSW teachers have reached a new pay deal that includes a $1,000 cost-of-living payment, three extra days off for students and flexible working arrangements after months of negotiations.
The NSW Teachers’ Federation on Monday signed the pay deal, which includes a three per cent minimum wage increase over the next three years.
The move avoided the possibility of a damaging industrial dispute with the New South Wales government.
Schools started late as tens of thousands of teachers participated in the work stoppage meeting to vote on the deal.
Under the new agreement, teachers will be allowed flexible working arrangements and three additional student-free days at the start of term.
A $1,000 cost-of-living payment will also be provided if inflation exceeds 4.5 percent for the state’s 95,000 public school teachers.
Union president Henry Rajendra said the agreement was critical to addressing the statewide teacher workforce shortage.
“The working conditions of our profession were very, very difficult,” he told reporters.
NSW teachers have reached a new pay deal, including a minimum pay rise and a $1,000 cost-of-living payment after months of negotiations (file image pictured).
“What we have now are wonderful opportunities where the employer finally, after so many years, offers the profession a true sense of respect.”
“Looking at the gendered nature of the teaching profession, where 80 per cent of the workforce is women, we have made significant improvements in terms of licensing and working conditions,” Mr Rajendra said.
Flexible work arrangements could mean two teachers could split a full-time job to fill critical gaps in the workforce.
Schools also had to fend for themselves for professional development opportunities during the previous government, the union said, but will now be given the tools and time to grow teaching careers.
The multi-year agreement follows a significant one-off pay increase for teachers that was agreed in September 2023.
Cost of living pay will also be provided if inflation rises above 4.5 percent for the state’s 95,000 public school teachers (file image pictured)
It made many the highest-paid in the country for their cohort and included a 12 percent increase in starting salaries to $85,000 a year.
Education Minister Prue Car said vacancies in public schools had decreased significantly since the initial agreement was reached, while the government was also trying to improve working conditions to retain existing staff.
“We’re seeing results in the things we’ve been able to collaborate on,” he said.
Salaries for teachers at the top of the pay scale rose from $113,042 a year to $122,100 under the previously agreed increase.