TAFE SA employees wage boost agreement moves closer, securing “Right to Disconnect” outside work hours

South Australian vocational educators are poised to receive a significant 13 per cent wage boost over the next four years after the State Government and the Australian Education Union (AEU) reached an in-principle agreement. This landmark deal for TAFE SA staff not only delivers pay increases starting with 4 per cent in April 2026 but also formally enshrines the “Right to Disconnect.” This is a vital safeguard in that employees are not supposed to check or reply to work-related messages such as emails or phone calls when they are not on duty, which makes their terms and conditions in line with the current work-life balance provisions that used to be enjoyed by school teachers.

Implementing the Right to Disconnect and Salary Gains

The new enterprise agreement prioritizes staff wellbeing by validating the Right to Disconnect, allowing educators to fully disengage from work duties while off the clock. Alongside this protection, the wage boost structure includes a 4 per cent rise this year, followed by three annual 3 per cent increases. This is a financial package meant to keep the best talents and appreciate the role which educators contribute to the economic prosperity of the state.

Modernizing TAFE SA for Future Skills

Beyond pay, the agreement modernizes TAFE SA operations to meet student needs. Starting Semester 2, 2026, there will be an increase in the operating hours up to 7am 10pm weekdays and 8am 5pm Saturdays. Notably, employees on such non-standard hours will now have penalty rates instead of Time in Lieu (TOIL) and will have more money in their pockets.

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