Teachers in Victoria strike for first time in 13 years, with classes cancelled at about 500 public schools

<p>Thousands of Australian Education Union members rally in Melbourne in dispute over pay and conditions</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/mar/24/australia-politics-live-fuel-crisis-cost-of-living-petrol-diesel-rationing-question-time-anthony-albanese-angus-taylor-pauline-hanson-one-nation-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>Classes have been halted across Victoria as thousands of striking public school teachers, principals and education support staff rally over pay and conditions.</p><p>According to the Australian Education Union’s Victorian president, Justin Mullaly, up to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/23/victoria-school-teachers-strike-pay-dispute-explained">500 schools would either be closed or “significantly affected”</a> as a result of the first strike in the state’s public school system in more than 13 years, with parents advised “it’s best not to send your child to school”.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/mar/24/victoria-teachers-strike-aeu-education-union-public-schools-closed-classes-cancelled">Continue reading...</a>