**No Strike, Schools to Remain Open - Education Minister** A recent development in Australia's education sector has sparked interest, with the Education Minister, Ben Carroll, stating that schools will remain open despite the possibility of a teacher strike. The walkout, which could involve thousands of teachers, is over a pay dispute between the teachers and the state government. In Victoria, the government has offered a 17% pay increase over three years, but this has been rejected by the Australian Education Union (AEU). The union is seeking a 35% pay rise, along with reduced workloads and improved mental health support. This pay dispute has been ongoing for eight months, with Victorian teachers being considered the lowest-paid public education workforce in the country. To keep schools open, the government plans to deploy retired teachers, casual relief teachers, and education support workers. Specialist schools will be prioritised, and the minister believes that even if many teachers go on strike, there will be enough staff to keep schools operational. The minister's statement is reassuring for parents, who had begun to worry about alternative arrangements for their children. However, the strike is still a possibility, and many families are on high alert. The pay dispute reflects a global trend where educators are seeking better working conditions, higher pay, and improved benefits. In Nigeria, where the education sector faces similar challenges, the news serves as a reminder that educators worldwide are fighting for better conditions and fair compensation.