4 days ago
The chilling four-word warning from toxic TEACHERS as the hardline militants skip class to go on strike - despite many earning $100,000-plus a year and getting 13 weeks' holiday
Teachers across Queensland are being given grim warnings against crossing picket lines and to resist pressure from their schools when they strike today, as leaked messages obtained by Daily Mail Australia reveal the hard-line tactics being used.
In private posts circulated among Queensland Teachers' Union members, teachers were ordered to 'Never cross a picket line' and 'Don't be a scab' as they go on their first strike in 16 years.
The union also warned more strikes may follow, despite many educators earning more than $100,000 a year and enjoying 13 weeks of annual leave.
One image shared in a private social media group showed dinner plates bearing the ominous warnings to strikebreakers, and another proudly proclaiming: 'I'm an absolute sl** for workers' rights'.
In the fiery post widely shared among QTU circles, members were urged to stand firm because today's strike was 'not about perks'.
'On Wednesday, QTU members are striking,' the post said. 'It is not undertaken lightly; the last strike was 16 years ago.
'The union has been working all year to negotiate a fair deal but the government ain't listening.'
The QTU voted for the 24-hour strike last week after rejecting the state government's offer of pay rises of 3.0 per cent, 2.5 per cent and a further 2.5 per cent over three years.
The base salary in Queensland state schools for a permanent or temporary beginning teacher with a four-year degree is $84,078 per year.
A senior teacher earns $116,729, while an experienced senior teacher can make up to $123,105.
A highly accomplished teacher earns $130,770, a lead teacher receives $142,766, and a department head earns $141,088 per year.
Queensland state school teachers also receive around 13 weeks of annual leave, including a six-week summer break and three two-week mid-term breaks.
Despite this, the union says the action is about more than pay, citing spiralling workloads, growing safety concerns, and worsening staff shortages.
'We have a teacher shortage crisis and increasingly unsafe workplaces,' the leaked post reads. 'These two factors keep impacting the other in a downward spiral which must stop.'
'Queensland kids deserve great schools. And great schools need great people.'
And while nearly 600,000 students across the state have been affected with schools operating with minimal supervision, the union expects parents to support them.
In the post leaked to Daily Mail, members were warned to stand firm
'One way parents and carers can show their support is to keep their kids home on Wednesday. Of course, not all families can, but if it is at all possible, please do,' it read.
The post goes on to warn teachers not to fall for 'grubby tactics'.
'To my many QTU member friends, the employer is pressuring you to work on Wednesday,' it added. 'It is a grubby tactic. Please don't fall for it.
'The strike on Wed is lawful protected industrial action. Hold the line. We're stronger when we stand together. For those of you in Brissie, I hope I see you on Wednesday.'
Officially the peak body The Queensland Council of Unions, has backed the strike and also urged families to show solidarity.
'If you're able, keep your kids home and stand with teachers in their fight for the future of education,' a statement said.
'Queensland students deserve the very best teachers, and that means fair salaries, safe workplaces, and support that matches the scale of the challenges in our schools.'
