Tasmanian teachers strike deal to lessen violence and workload

Tasmanian teachers strike three-year deal to eradicate violence and lessen workload in schoolsBy Hayden SmithTopic:Teachers1h ago1 hours agoTue 28 Apr 2026 at 1:15amThe agreement comes after months of dispute over public school teachers' pay and conditions. (ABC News: Mackenzie Archer)In short:The Australian Education Union has formally accepted a pay and conditions proposal on behalf of Tasmanian public school teachers. The agreement ends months of dispute and the union has welcomed improvements to conditions relating to teacher workloads and responding to violence in schools.What's next?The agreement is set to be in place for three years.abc.net.au/news/tasmanian-education-union-teacher-pay-deal-violence-workload/106614778Link copiedShareShare articleTasmanian public school teachers have finally struck an agreement with the state government after a bitter dispute over pay and conditions.The new three-year deal was backed by 72 per cent of Australian Education Union members, one month after all-day strike action ground schools to a halt across the state.Under the new deal, Tasmanian teachers will receive consecutive pay rises of 3 per cent, 3 per cent and 2.75 per cent over three years. Now+3%+3%+2.75%Entry-level teacher(4yr trained, band 1 level 4)$79,381$81,762$83,802$86,107Experienced teacher(4yr trained, band 1 level 13)$118,328$121,877$125,534$128,986However, it was the offer of improved conditions — particularly regarding workloads and violence in schools — that got teachers over the line.Teachers' strike shuts southern Tasmanian government schoolsIndustrial action by teachers seeking better conditions means government schools in southern Tasmania, including in the Hobart area, are shut today.Speaking on ABC Radio Mornings, Australian Education Union (AEU) Tasmanian president David Genford said members were "keen to forge forwards"."From a workload and violence perspective, we've got some things in there that can make a real difference," he said."But I know some people are still disappointed with the pay and where that leaves us comparatively."Our members, before we started this negotiation process, said workload and violence was the priority, and that's what we've tried to focus on as a package."David Genford says targeting workloads and violence in schools got teachers over the line. (ABC News)Under the new deal, mandatory after-school meetings will be cut from 100 hours to 80 hours this year and 60 hours in 2027.Mr Genford said a host of school psychologists would be employed for a new "assessment hub" to help students receive the help they need."This type of hub will deal with schools around the state … trying to make sure we get our kids assessed and diagnosed," he said.Teachers will also have access to more leave entitlements — including an additional five days of paid reproductive leave — as well as the "right to disconnect" after hours."When you get home you should be able to relax and switch off … to take away that email pressure and expectation to respond is key," Mr Genford said.He said the government had also agreed to increase its commitment to the new school violence action plan to $10.6 million.Jo Palmer says it's a "fair and affordable" deal. (ABC News: Morgan Timms)Education Minister Jo Palmer said it was a "fair and affordable" deal that provided "long-term clarity" for teachers."This agreement has been achieved through constructive, good faith negotiations," Ms Palmer said.Mr Genford said he was looking…

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