Victoria bills itself as the ‘education state’ but thousands of school teachers are set to strike. Here’s what it means

Up to 500 schools will be ‘significantly’ affected by Tuesday’s industrial action. What will classes be like and why are educators striking? Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Victorian licence plates may carry the slogan “the education state” but on Tuesday, thousands of public school teachers, principals and education support staff will go on strike for the first time in 13 years. The Fair Work Commission approved the action two weeks ago, after 98% of Australian Education Union (AEU) members voted to strike over what they say is low pay and excessive workloads. For many parents, it will mean taking the day off work to look after children, with the education department conceding many schools will only supervise a “limited number of students”. The AEU’s Victorian branch president, Justin Mullaly, says the strike reflects the government’s failure to deliver fair pay, better conditions and full funding for public schools. He says the union went into EBA negotiations eight months ago, seeking a 35% pay rise over four years, smaller class sizes and improved mental health and classroom sup