WA teachers set to strike next week as union rejects latest pay and conditions offer

Classrooms are in danger of being disrupted next Tuesday as a result of the pay dispute. (ABC News: Cason Ho)

WA’s teacher union has rejected a second pay and conditions offer from the state government, stoking concerns of interruptions at schools as the union threatens to forge on with a potential strike.

The government has offered an 11 per cent pay increase over three years, but the State School Teachers’ Union of WA (SSTUWA) has asked for 12 per cent over two years.

The union has also demanded a range of measures to improve workplace conditions and address teachers’ workloads.

SSTUWA president Matt Jarman said the offer on hand did not do enough to meet teachers’ needs.

“Our members are facing significant workload issues, which have not been adequately addressed in the government’s second offer,” he said.

“On top of that, teachers and school leaders have accepted four years of wage freezes while the cost of living has been skyrocketing.

“Our members deserve a decent pay rise and what the government has offered so far is not acceptable.”

The state government repealed its blanket public sector wages policy in December.

‘Hope’ strike will be averted: minister

Education Minister Tony Buti said he was hopeful an agreement could be reached before the union forges ahead with a planned half-day strike next Tuesday, April 23.

“I hope it will be averted. We continue to bargain in good faith,” he said.

Mr Buti said the Department of Education was making arrangements for the potential strike.

“This is being worked through, it’s a half-day strike, the Education Department is working through that process,” he said.

The department has been contacted for comment.

Payments for families rolled out

The union’s rejection of the enterprise bargaining agreement comes as students begin their second term of school.

An estimated 300,000 WA families are eligible for the state government’s cost-of-living relief package, which rolled out today.

A one-off $250 payment is available for each secondary school student, and $150 for each primary and kindergarten student.