Queensland teachers have made a critical decision to delay planned industrial action until after Year 12 students complete their final exams. The move comes after intense pressure to avoid disrupting the crucial QCE assessment period.
The Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) confirmed the postponement, following discussions about the timing of potential strike action. QCE exams are scheduled to conclude on 11th November 2025.
Strike Plans Put on Hold During Exam Period
The decision marks a significant development in the ongoing industrial dispute between Queensland teachers and the Crisafulli Government. Teachers had been preparing for further strike action after overwhelmingly rejecting the government’s pay offer in late October.
Qld Teachers protest earlier in August 2025
Around 67% of QTU members voted against the government’s proposal, which would have seen teachers earn over $100,000 by the end of 2028. The rejection represented the highest participation rate in a union ballot in the QTU’s 136-year history.
Key factors influencing the timing decision include:
- QCE external assessments running from 20th October to 11th November 2025
- Concerns about disrupting Year 12 students during their final examinations
- Public pressure to prioritise student welfare during the critical assessment period
- Strategic considerations about maintaining community support for teachers’ demands
What Teachers Are Fighting For
The industrial dispute centres on several core issues that teachers argue have reached crisis levels in Queensland schools. Pay remains a contentious issue, with Queensland teachers among the lowest paid nationally.
However, union representatives insist the dispute extends beyond wages. Teachers are demanding action on occupational violence, unsustainable workloads, and the ongoing teacher shortage crisis affecting rural and regional areas.
QTU President Cresta Richardson has consistently stated that serious reform is needed to address these systemic problems. The union argues that without meaningful change, Queensland will continue to struggle with teacher retention and recruitment.
Teacher resignations have increased by over 50 percent in recent years. In 2023 alone, 2,607 teachers resigned from Queensland state schools, with workload and workplace safety cited as major factors.
Government Response and Negotiations
Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek expressed disappointment at the rejection of the government’s offer. He indicated the matter would progress to arbitration within the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
The government’s most recent proposal included:
- Annual pay rises of 3 percent in 2025, followed by 2.5 percent in 2026 and 2027
- Conditional Consumer Price Index payments
- An additional student-free day from 2026
- New classification steps for experienced senior teachers
Ministers have defended the offer as representing significant investment in the teaching workforce. However, teachers argue the increases fail to keep pace with inflation and do not address the pay gap with interstate colleagues.
Strike Action Timeline
Queensland teachers last took strike action on 6th August 2025, marking their first statewide industrial action in 16 years. An estimated 50,000 teachers participated in the historic walkout, which disrupted schooling for more than 560,000 students across the state.
Following that strike, the QTU paused further industrial action to engage in conciliation processes. The union had initially signalled potential for another 24-hour strike within three weeks of the October pay offer rejection.
The decision to postpone action during QCE exams demonstrates teachers’ commitment to protecting student interests while maintaining pressure on the government for improved conditions.
Impact on Year 12 Students and Schools
The postponement provides relief for approximately 50,000 Year 12 students currently sitting their final QCE examinations. These external assessments contribute significantly to students’ overall results and ATAR calculations for university entrance.
Queensland educators have rejected a pay deal
Schools and families had been preparing contingency plans in case strike action disrupted exam supervision or administrative processes. The QTU’s decision removes this uncertainty during the final days of the assessment period.
However, the postponement does not signal an end to the industrial campaign. Union officials have indicated that strike action remains firmly on the table once exams conclude.
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What Happens Next?
With QCE exams finishing on 11th November, teachers could potentially resume industrial action as early as mid-November. The QTU State Council is expected to meet to discuss the pathway forward following instructions from its 51,500 members.
The dispute may also proceed to formal arbitration through the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. Both parties will present their positions, with the commission tasked with reaching a binding resolution.
Teachers and education advocates are watching closely to see whether the government will improve its offer or whether the matter will ultimately be decided through arbitration.
