A teachers’ strike has been deferred after QTU endorsed deal

A statewide teacher strike has been deferred after the Queensland Teachers’ Union’s state conference endorsed the $1 billion pay deal.

A STATEWIDE teacher strike has been deferred after the Queensland Teachers’ Union’s state conference endorsed the $1 billion pay deal.

The State Government’s offer was supported at the union’s biennial state conference this morning after four hours of discussion.

The union will now recommend that it be accepted by its members in a ballot to be conducted by the third week of Term 3.

QTU President Kevin Bates said the decision would defer the 24-hour strike action that had been planned for July 18.

Queensland Teachers Union President Kevin Bates said the conference vote on the pay deal was not unanimous. File picture: Claudia Baxter

However depending on how the union’s 45,000 members voted, it could still be held in the future.

“The reason it’s deferred is because we need to see the ballot result from members,” Mr Bates said.

“Obviously if the ballot endorses the agreement the strike action is called off.”

The Government’s offer included a one-off $1250 sign-on bonus for about 30,000 “stream one” teachers for accepting the new agreement, as well as a minimum 2.5 per cent pay increase each year for three years.

About 40 executive principals will rake in about $211,398 a year under a new classification, making them the country’s best paid.

The offer also included giving beginner teachers $1000 if they go to the bush from next year.

Mr Bates said this morning’s vote among the 240 delegates was not unanimous but it was “strongly supported”.

“This is a good outcome for our members because it gives them the right to have a voice,” he said.

“The elected representatives have been able to consider all of the available information in making their decision.

“We now have a job to do to share that with members. We would be very hopeful that members will vote to support the agreement. Ultimately the decision does remain in their hands.”

Education Minister Grace Grace welcomed the endorsement and said she looked forward to seeing the benefits of the agreement rolling out as soon as possible.