Teacher feud drags on, despite pay rise

Teachers rally for better pay and conditions. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

TALKS in the bitter teachers' pay dispute are continuing today, despite details emerging of a generous wage boost.

The Australian Education Union this morning confirmed the discussions for a new agreement were still going.

Victorian president Meredith Peace will address the media at 3.30pm.

A deal had been  expected to be announced as early as today, after details emerged of a generous wage boost.

After a fight stretching more than two years, educators are tipped to have won a pay rise of up to 18 per cent.

But both parties maintained a deal hadn't been done, with talks continuing.

Principals, teachers and support staff have reportedly secured pay rises of up to 17 and 18 per cent over four years, or more than 4 per cent a year.

It was expected the increases would start with a 2 per cent rise this month, followed by twice-yearly instalments thereafter.

A $1000 sign-on bonus was among other key components.

The deal would be a win for the state's public school educators, who have fought a relentless war for better pay and conditions since former premier Ted Baillieu, before the last election, promised to make them the nation's best-paid.

Despite last night's apparent leaking of an agreement, both parties told the Herald Sun none had been reached.

Ashley Gardiner, spokesman for Teaching Profession Minister Peter Hall, said discussions were going well, but refused to comment on specifics.

Premier Denis Napthine provided a circuit-breaker in the industrial stalemate last month when he took performance pay -- a key sticking point -- off the negotiating table.

The Australian Education Union in November reduced its pay claim to 12.6 per cent over three years, after initially demanding a 30 per cent increase.

The Government had refused to budge from its offer of 2.5 per cent a year plus performance pay.

Any agreement must be accepted by the union's primary and secondary council, and ratified by members before it can be finalised.

The process could take up to three weeks.

Industrial action, including a controversial ban on teacher overtime that forced the cancellation of school camps and other activities, remains suspended.

wes.hosking@news.com.au

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