Teachers asked to vote on state’s ‘best and final’ offer

If the dispute enters arbitration, the Industrial Relations Commission would hear the matter, which Richardson said would not kick off until December.

“Arbitration is a process that could take up to two years, we could win some things, we could lose some things,” she said.

“That’s why we’re really asking members to duly consider all of the options that are open to them.”

Langbroek said the offer had honoured the LNP’s election commitment to deliver “nation-leading wages” for Queensland teachers, despite the proposed wage increase remaining the same as the previous offer, which sparked a one-day strike.

“When it comes to more pay, what this agreement means is that every teacher currently in Queensland classrooms by the end of this agreement will be earning at least $100,000,” he said.

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“Senior teachers will be earning $135,000 and principals more than $200,000.”

Richardson said the union’s calculations were different.

“We are of the understanding that teachers might be at about $95,000 when they come in, so obviously we’d be happy to be incorrect on that if they’re all on $100,000,” she said.

She said the new senior teaching role offered by the state could translate into a wage increase for between 30 and 50 per cent of members, and welcomed the occupational violence measures included in the new offer.

“The development of a workplace health and safety taskforce is a really good opportunity for our members,” she said. “We need to see meaningful change on this.”

Richardson said if the offer was accepted, she expected the government to be accountable for their promises.

“The health and safety taskforce is a step in the right direction, but how is that going to be reported on, what are the time frames, [and] how is it going to be measured?” she said.

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