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

Australian Education Union members to rally outside state parliament in dispute over pay and conditions

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Classes have been halted across Victoria as thousands of striking public school teachers, principals and education support staff prepare to descend on state parliament for a rally over pay and conditions.

According to the Australian Education Union’s Victorian president, Justin Mullaly, up to 500 schools would either be closed or “significantly affected” as a result of the first strike in the state’s public school system in more than 13 years.