31 October 2024
The NSW government has struck a new agreement with the NSW Teachers’ Federation to enhance teacher pay and improve working conditions. The deal, announced earlier this week, includes a 10% pay rise over the next three years and promises to address teacher workload and provide additional support for their well-being.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
Under the new agreement, teachers will see several major benefits, including a cash boost to alleviate the strain of rising living costs. They will receive an annual $1000 cost-of-living adjustment if inflation exceeds 4.5%. Additionally, the deal caps after-school meetings at one hour per week, ensuring teachers have more personal time.
Teachers Federation President Henry Rajendra praised the agreement, saying, “This agreement maintains the structural reset of teacher salaries we achieved last year after a decade of wage suppression under the previous government. It ensures our pay keeps pace with inflation while remaining competitive with other jurisdictions – critical factors in attracting and retaining the teachers our students need.”
The agreement also builds on last year’s pay increase of 8-12%, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to make the teaching profession more financially sustainable. The move is part of a broader effort to tackle the challenges of teacher attrition, a pressing issue not only in NSW but worldwide.
Increased School Development Days – A Double-Edged Sword
One key feature of the deal is the increase in “school development days” — designated days where students are not in school, allowing teachers time for professional development. These days will rise from six to eight per year. However, while these extra days will offer teachers more time to focus on development and well-being, some parents have raised concerns about the implications. Increased pupil-free days mean parents may need to arrange childcare more frequently, posing an additional challenge for working families.
Addressing a Global Problem: Teacher Attrition
The new agreement comes amid growing concern over teacher attrition rates. According to a McKinsey study, teachers often cite low compensation, unreasonable expectations, and limited well-being support as top reasons for leaving the profession. By boosting salaries and reducing workload, NSW’s agreement aims to counteract some of these issues, helping to retain experienced teachers and attract new talent to the profession.
A Step Forward for Education in NSW
As cost-of-living pressures persist and the demands on teachers continue to grow, this new agreement represents a substantial investment in the education workforce. With more competitive wages, structured support for workload management, and provisions to counter inflation, NSW hopes to foster a more sustainable teaching environment. This agreement not only promises a brighter outlook for current teachers but also aims to make the profession more appealing for future educators — a critical factor in ensuring the long-term quality of education in the state.
