Thousands of public school teachers in New South Wales (NSW) are set to receive a significant financial boost with a 9% pay rise over the next three years.
This agreement, accepted by the state’s teachers, also includes a $1,000 cost-of-living payment to help combat inflationary pressures.
Details of the Pay Agreement
The new pay deal, proposed by the NSW Department of Education, will see public school teachers receiving a 3% annual salary increase over three years. This affects approximately 95,000 teachers across the state.
Additionally, the $1,000 cost-of-living payment is contingent upon inflation exceeding 4.5% in the year leading up to March each year.
Impact on Teacher Shortage
The NSW Teachers Federation has highlighted that this agreement builds on previous gains and addresses ongoing teacher shortages.
The Federation’s President, Henry Rajendra, emphasized that competitive pay is crucial for attracting and retaining quality educators.
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last year’s agreement saw starting salaries increase from $75,791 to $85,000, while senior teachers’ salaries rose from $113,042 to $122,100.
Improved Workplace Conditions
The agreement also introduces improved workplace flexibility options such as job-sharing and part-time employment.
Regular after-school meetings will be limited to one hour per week, and additional school development days will be provided from 2025. These measures aim to reduce workloads that have contributed to high resignation rates.
Government’s Commitment
Minister for Education and Early Learning Prue Car stated that teacher vacancies have decreased by 24% year-on-year. The government remains committed to addressing teacher shortages by offering better pay and working conditions.
Economic Context
The Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a 0.8% rise in the Wage Price Index for the June quarter and a 4.1% increase over the year. Public sector wages grew at an annual rate of 3.9%, reflecting broader economic trends.