More than 8000 teachers strike across WA in push for better pay and conditions

Teachers in Western Australia walked off the job today for the first time in 10 years, calling for better pay and working conditions.

More than 8000 teachers marched across the Matagarup Bridge and gathered at Gloucester Park in Perth.

The teachers are asking the government for a 12 per cent pay rise over three years, among other demands such as smaller class sizes and a workload reduction.

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State School Teachers' Union of WA president Matt Jarman said workload reduction "needs to be in the offer for us to be able to take it to members, not just salary".

Eugene Marshall, a teacher of 10 years who joined the strike, told 9News that "supporting and funding education helps everyone, not just teachers".

"An educated society has less crime, more culture, and a better economy."

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The union said there could be more strikes unless an agreement with the state government is reached before May 10.

They have warned that a full-day strike is not off the table.

The government has offered the teachers an 11 per cent pay increase over three years.

"We're continuing to negotiate in good faith with the teachers and we are confident that we will find a resolution," Premier Roger Cook said.

About 22 schools were forced to close entirely due to the strike, with most other schools providing supervision until lunchtime.