‘Stand up and demand better': School teachers across major Australian state to strike
The Queensland Teachers Union confirmed on Tuesday strike action would take place following a rejected pay offer from the state government.
The decision was made following an executive meeting on Monday night, and Queensland Teachers Union President Cresta Richardson said it was only a matter of time before teachers took action.
'Queensland Teachers Union members have overwhelmingly voted in favour of a 24-hour work stoppage on 6 August across all state schools in Queensland,'
'The protected strike action follows the Crisafulli government's referral to conciliation in the Industrial Relations Commission following its failure to secure a deal with state schoolteachers and school leaders.
'The QTU looks forward to presenting its claim before the Commission and urges all community members to support resourcing and funding state schools appropriately.'
The last time Queensland teachers took strike action was in 2009.
Out of 38,243 voters within the union, a staggering 36,583 voted in favour of the industrial action, according to an email sent to union members today.
'Queensland Teachers Union members have made history,' Ms Crista said.
'This is our time to stand up and demand better.'
Education Department Director General Sharon Schimming addressed the strike action in an email to teachers on Tuesday, and said schools will remain open on Wednesday, August 6.
'Schools will remain operational during this time, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure disruptions are minimised,' she said.
'We are working to minimise any ongoing impact of industrial action on schools.
'Protected industrial action is allowed for under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 and is recognised as a right of negotiating parties to support or advance claims.'
A spokesperson for the Queensland Department of Education said it will prioritise the safety of staff and students during the protected action.
'While we prefer to resolve matters without industrial action, we acknowledge employees' rights to take this step,' they said.
'We remain focused on maintaining safe, operational schools and minimising disruption for students and staff.'
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