The union is asking for a 35 per cent pay rise over the next four years, counter to the government’s offer of 17 per cent across the same period. When asked what figure would get workers over the line to stop striking, Mullaly said educational professionals would “expect an offer that will value their work”.
“We should ask, as the workforce, for what we think we’re worth,” he said. “We think we’re worth 35 per cent, but it is a negotiation, and at the moment, we’re engaged in negotiations, and we will continue to do that.
“What we want is an offer that really values us. What we have are national benchmark salaries that the government’s current offer goes nowhere near.
“We’re deeply sympathetic about the impact (striking) has on children, on families, and we would actually prefer to be at work today. We want to be in front of classrooms, supporting children’s learning.
“But the government hasn’t done enough, and they need to understand how strongly the profession feels about getting pay increases that support their needs, and also workload relief.”
Mullaly said the community was supportive of teachers’ efforts, but further strike action could be possible if today’s action didn’t resolve the matter.
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