Families across Geelong and the Surf Coast have had to make arrangements for their kids with teachers and other staff walking off the job today.
They’ve joined a statewide strike for better pay and conditions after rejecting the latest offer from Spring Street.
The Education Union’s Justin Mullaly says it’s making sure teaching staff get paid what they’re due.
“There is no way we can undervalue a Victorian teacher compared to other states,” he said.
“That’s what’s happening right now and it’s one thing the government has to fix.”
A new pay offer of 18 per cent from the state government was last week rejected.
“Teachers want to be in their classrooms,” he said.
“Other workers want to be supporting students. But in the face of a government that isn’t coming to the table with a decent and proper offer, this is what we are forced to do.”
Premier Jacinta Allen continued to call for the strike not to go ahead yesterday.
“My message to tyhe union is to stay at that table,” she said.
“To keep negotiating and to deliver the pay rise we want to deliver.”
Some supervisory sessions will be held at schools across the region during the strike action.
