00:02Historic strike action by the state's teachers kept thousands of students out of school last month.
00:10And the government is keen to avoid more blows.
00:13Let's not see any more disruption for families. We don't need that.
00:16The Premier says talks with the union are intensifying.
00:20But she's refused to confirm reports.
00:23Her government is considering a 28 per cent pay offer to break the stalemate.
00:28Negotiating in good faith doesn't mean providing details through public forums like this.
00:34Her deputy also keeping mum.
00:36All I can say is negotiations have escalated.
00:39We are at the table today. They are continuing in good faith.
00:43Wages are one of the key sticking points in trying to get a deal.
00:47With the union saying the state's teachers are at risk of remaining the country's lowest paid.
00:53Currently, a graduate teacher in Victoria earns around $79,000 every year.
01:00With the government's offer of 17 per cent, which has been rejected by union members,
01:05that would increase to just over $93,000 by the end of the four year agreement.
01:11If that offer was increased to 28 per cent, graduates would be earning nearly $102,000 at the end of
01:19four years.
01:19If union members were to get the 35 per cent they want, graduate salaries would increase by another $6,000.
01:28More industrial action is planned for next week, with a series of half-day regional strikes starting the day after
01:34the state budget,
01:36and a protest at Ben Carroll's Nidgeri electorate office.
01:39Meanwhile, the union representing 750 school principals is planning separate industrial action, including work stoppages.
01:48It is important that we continue to recognise the challenges, the complexity and the incredible work that our school leaders
01:55are doing.
01:56What do we want?
01:58Ten years!
01:59The Australian Education Union has not responded to requests for comment on the latest negotiations.
02:06One hits .
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