The action aims to address staff shortages, excessive unpaid workloads, a growing salary gap compared to other Australian states, and inadequate state funding, which is around $2325 less per Victorian student than the national average.
Australian Education Union president Justin Mullaly said it was not possible to meet the educational and wellbeing needs of children and young people without attracting and retaining staff.
He added that full and fair school funding was critical to ensuring every child could equitably access a high-quality education in their local public school.
“AEU members are not considering this action lightly,” Mr Mullaly said.
“They would much prefer to be doing their job, attending school and providing high-quality education and wellbeing support for their students.
“They understand keenly that stopping work presents difficulties for some parents and carers, and sincerely regret the inconvenience caused.”
Despite this, the Department of Education has indicated that schools are expected to remain open “as far as practicable” to provide supervision.
However, with teachers and staff striking, questions remain over how parents can be assured their children will have adequate supervision on site.
A Goulburn Valley primary school parent said they were advised mid-last week that the day would be optional but were told only three staff members would remain on site.
“My concern is that there will not be enough adult supervision to maintain the needs of the students,” the parent said, requesting anonymity.
“I understand why the staff are doing this for students, the school, and their rights, but I don’t understand why the school would remain open.
“Thankfully, I have a very flexible workplace that has allowed me to work from home. I didn’t feel comfortable sending my child with limited supervision.
“I feel for the parents who don’t have another option but to send their children. My child’s school is small — what happens at larger schools with hundreds of students and limited to no staff? Is that even safe?”
Other parents have taken to the News’ social media posts today to comment on the planned strike and whether they had been officially informed by their child’s school.
Many comments encouraged parents, where possible, to keep their children at home — both to support teaching staff and to highlight concerns about the funding and resources students may be missing due to the state government’s lack of investment.
Questions were sent to the Department of Education regarding student safety with limited staff on site, and who would be responsible if an incident occurred.
The department did not provide a direct response, but said it was working to limit disruption to families.
“Whilst all schools are expected to be open tomorrow, many schools will only be able to provide supervision for a limited number of students,” a department spokesman said.
“Schools will communicate any changes to school programs directly to parents and carers.”
Greater Shepparton Secondary College has said about half of its teachers will be absent, with priority supervision for Years 7, 11 and 12, children of critical service workers and those with special circumstances.
With reduced staff across many schools, parents are being urged to check updates from their child’s school and make arrangements where possible, as tomorrow’s strike leaves some classrooms with supervision only.
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