Government rejects teacher union’s counter offer in pay dispute

The Government has rejected a revised pay offer from the teachers’ union, insisting the dispute should be heard in the industrial commission.

Acting Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

HOPES of an early resolution to the teachers pay dispute have been dashed after the Government rejected a revised offer from their union.

Teachers lodged a fresh counteroffer with the Government last Thursday, describing its details as a “fair and affordable claim”.

Acting Premier Jeremy Rockliff rejected the deal and said the Government would prefer the dispute be referred to the Tasmanian Industrial Commission along with other unions.

“The AEU’s recent offer was much the same as the previous offer that 70 per cent of their members voted to support, but without the savings offset,” he said.

“It should be remembered that it was the AEU leadership that ultimately rejected that offer, which would have seen considerable benefits delivered to their members.

“The Government’s position is that wage negotiation should be considered by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission for arbitration.”