For The First Time in 16 Years, Queensland Teachers Go on Strike — What Happens Next?

In a historic move, thousands of teachers across Queensland have walked off the job, launching their first major strike in 16 years. The action has affected over 600,000 students across public schools, causing widespread disruption to classrooms and school operations.

At the heart of the strike is a dispute over pay and working conditions. Teachers, represented by the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU), are demanding parity with police officers, arguing that their current compensation does not reflect their workload, responsibility, and the challenges they face daily in classrooms.

The Queensland Government had offered a 3% wage increase in 2025, followed by 2.5% increases in subsequent years, along with a one-off payment. However, the union rejected the offer, calling it inadequate and out of step with what was offered to other essential workers like the police, who recently secured larger bonuses and better allowances.

🔍 So, What Happens Next?

Continued Negotiations: Talks between the union and the state government are expected to resume. Both sides have expressed interest in resolving the dispute, but pressure is mounting from parents and education advocates to reach an agreement quickly.

More Industrial Action Possible: If no deal is reached soon, the QTU has warned that further strikes or work bans could follow in coming weeks.

Political Pressure: With an election on the horizon, the government is facing increased pressure to avoid long-term disruption to schools and show that it values the teaching profession.

Public Support Growing: Many parents and members of the public have shown support for the teachers, recognizing the strain on the education system and calling for fairer treatment of educators.

What Are the Teachers Demanding?

At the heart of the dispute is a call for pay parity with police, who recently received improved allowances and bonuses. Teachers rejected the government’s proposed pay increase of 3% in 2025 and 2.5% in subsequent years, describing it as inadequate given their workload and responsibilities.