More than 35,000 teachers, students and supporters rallied in Melbourne on Tuesday, March 24 as Victorian educators staged their first strike over pay and conditions in 13 years.

Escalating a long-running dispute with the Victorian State Government, teachers marched from Trades Hall to Parliament, demanding higher salaries and improved working conditions.

Australian Education Union Victoria President Justin Mullaly told the crowd at Parliament “another day like today is not off the table”, warning further industrial action could follow if the government did not respond.

Speaking to Farrago, former Melbourne University student Mr Mullaly said teachers, principals and education support staff were “deeply frustrated”.

“If the government really values the work of Victorian teachers they must come forward with a serious offer,” he said.

The AEU wants to see a 35 per cent pay rise over three years, while the state government initially offered a 17 per cent increase over four years.

Murrumbeena Primary School teacher Elle Avery said staff felt disrespected by the government’s offer, describing it as “an insult”, especially considering that the government promotes Victoria as “The Education State”.

Avery said, “We are so much more than teachers — you’ve got to be a psychologist, mentor, sometimes even a parent to these kids,” adding that educators simply want to be “treated with respect”.

Victorian graduate salaries start at about $78,000 compared to more than $87,000 in New South Wales and over $92,000 in the Northern Territory.

Elwood College teacher and union representative George Lekatsas said the dispute extended beyond wages, to broader issues affecting classrooms and student outcomes.

“There’s a misconception that we’re just here for a pay rise, but it’s also about conditions for our students and for teachers,” Lekatsas said, pointing to concerns about working hours, increasing teaching loads and limited resources.

The union is also calling for smaller class sizes, increased planning time and more support staff, arguing that growing administrative demands and workforce shortages are contributing to burnout across the profession.

Victoria’s Deputy Premier and Education Minister Ben Carroll defended the government’s position, saying an 18.5 per cent pay offer worth $2.6 billion was “significant”.

“I do regret that the union has taken industrial action today,” Carroll said, adding he understands teachers’ concerns and is committed to working with the union to reach the best possible deal.

Mr Mullally said he understood the situation would prove difficult for some parents.

"We don't want to be doing this, but we feel as if we have to because the Premier and the Education Minister are not listening," he said.

Negotiations remain ongoing between the AEU and the Victorian State Government.

Image Source: Audrey English