New South Wales (NSW) teachers have been given some of the most generous pay and conditions in the country in a bid to address workforce shortages and concerns about work-life balance.
The NSW Teachers Federation has accepted a wage rise of 9 per cent over three years. This includes a 0.5 per cent increase in superannuation over the next two years. The deal was voted on by the state’s teachers during a one-hour stop-work meeting on October 28.
So what does the new deal mean for teachers, and what does the government hope it will achieve?
What is included in the new deal?
Under the new pay deal, NSW graduate teachers will now earn a six-figure annual salary, the first in the country to do so. They now earn more than graduates in law, engineering and psychology.
In addition, teachers will receive a $1,000 cost-of-living bonus if inflation exceeds 4.5 per cent.
The new pay deal builds upon an increase teachers received last year. Last year, teachers secured a pay rise of up to 20 per cent for the first year.
As part of the new pay deal, teachers have also received improved conditions designed to improve teachers’ work-life balance. These include:
· Clearer directions: Teachers will now receive clear directions about what assessments are required and what assessments can be done at the teacher’s own discretion. It is hoped the changes will help to address issues around data entry and administration which have caused an unmanageable workload for teachers.
· Increased flexibility: There will also be increased opportunities for part-time work and job-sharing where appropriate. In addition, teachers will have increased access to unpaid leave. With 80% of teachers being female, it is important that they can balance their work with family and other caring responsibilities
· Reduced meetings & overtime: Regular after-school meetings will be capped at one hour. Teachers will have to be consulted on the organisation of after-school events.
· Extra pupil-free days: Two extra pupil-free days a year have been added, taking the total to eight.
· Right to disconnect: Teachers can switch off work phones and computers before 9 am and after 3 pm. The Education department will not contact teachers after hours unless there is an emergency. Parents can contact teachers at any time, but teachers will be given two days to respond.
What does the deal hope to achieve?
The NSW Government hopes that by improving the pay and conditions of teachers, it will not only attract more people to pursue a teaching career and retain existing teachers but also enhance the overall quality of education in the state.
In recent years, teacher resignation rates have been higher than retirement rates. Experts blame this on the excessive workloads of teachers. In recent years, the number of meetings teachers are required to attend and the training they are expected to receive has grown significantly.
This has resulted in a significant shortage of teachers in NSW in recent years, especially in mathematics.
However, positive signs are already beginning to emerge. Since last year’s pay rise, teacher vacancies in NSW have fallen by 24 per cent.
Teaching can offer a highly rewarding, satisfying career. However, it is crucial that teachers are appropriately remunerated.
If you have ever considered a career in teaching, now could be the perfect time to make a move.
Are you looking for a new career? Public Service Resumes can help you achieve your career goals. We are pleased to offer various services for teachers, including our resume and selection criteria writing service.
Article References
Bita, N (28 October 2024) NSW teachers win 10 per cent pay rise and work-life balance in six-figure wage deal The Australian, accessed 29 October 2024.
Bower, M & Tyson, W (29 October 2024) Minns government’s pay rise offer to teachers revealed after stop work meeting Daily Telegraph, accessed 29 October 2024.
NSW Department Of Education (28 October 2024) Three-year award agreement accepted by NSW teachers NSW Department Of Education, accessed 29 October 2024.