New Pay Deal for Victoria Teachers

May 15, 2026, 05:55
AustraliaPolitics

Introduction

The Victoria government and the teachers' union have a new agreement about pay.

Main Body

Teachers were unhappy with their pay. In March, 35,000 people walked in a big parade. They wanted more money because teachers in other states earn more. The government and the union talked for a long time. The government first offered 17 per cent more money. The union said no. They wanted 35 per cent more. Now they have a deal. Teachers will get between 28 and 32 per cent more money over four years. The amount depends on the teacher's job.

Conclusion

The union accepts the new pay. The fight about money is over.

Learning

💰 Talking about Money & Changes

In this story, we see how people describe getting more of something. At A2 level, you need to know how to describe increases.

The 'More' Pattern Look at these phrases from the text:

  • More money
  • 17 per cent more
  • 35 per cent more

When we want a higher amount, we use: [Amount] + more.

Example:

  • "I want 5 dollars more" → I need $5 extra.
  • "They want 32 per cent more" → They want a bigger pay check.

Comparing things (The 'Other' Rule) Notice this sentence: "Teachers in other states earn more."

To compare your situation to someone else, use Other + [Group/Place]:

  • Other states (Not Victoria)
  • Other students (Not me)
  • Other teachers (Not these ones)

Simple Summary for you: If you are unhappy with a price or a salary, don't just say "it is bad." Say: "I want [Number] more."

Vocabulary Learning

government
the people who run a country
Example:The government will make new rules.
union
a group of workers who join together
Example:The union helped the workers.
agreement
a deal or promise
Example:They signed an agreement.
pay
money for work
Example:Teachers get their pay every month.
unhappy
not happy
Example:She was unhappy with the new schedule.
parade
a public procession
Example:They watched a parade in the city.
money
currency used for buying things
Example:He saved his money in a bank.
states
parts of a country
Example:The states have different laws.
talked
had a conversation
Example:They talked for a long time.
time
a period
Example:We have a lot of time.
offer
propose something
Example:The company offered a bonus.
cent
a unit of money, one hundredth of a dollar
Example:A cent is one hundredth of a dollar.
deal
a negotiated arrangement
Example:They made a deal about wages.
years
units of time
Example:The project will last five years.
amount
how much
Example:The amount of money was large.
job
a work position
Example:Her job is to teach.
accepts
agrees to
Example:He accepts the new terms.
fight
a struggle
Example:There was a fight over the money.
over
finished
Example:The meeting is over.
march
month of the year
Example:March is the third month of the year.