Parents in Queensland are being advised to keep their children at home from school tomorrow, as a significant strike action involving up to 48,000 teachers is set to unfold across the state. This strike will affect all 1,266 state schools and around 560,000 students.
Despite schools remaining open and ensuring the safety and supervision of students, the Queensland Department of Education has indicated that services such as excursions, tuckshops, and after-school care will vary by school. Parents should have already received updates from school principals regarding these arrangements.
The Queensland Teachers Union (QTU) has turned down a proposed eight per cent pay rise spread over three years, insisting instead that the government must tackle issues related to teacher shortages and enhance workplace safety. QTU President Cresta Richardson emphasized that this isn’t merely a salary concern, but rather a community-wide issue regarding the availability of qualified educators to support and teach students.
Richardson highlighted the acute teacher shortage, describing it as a crisis at a breaking point. Kate Ruttiman, the QTU General Secretary, noted that the ongoing shortage is exacerbating burnout among current staff. She also raised concerns about increasing incidents of occupational violence and aggression in schools, an issue that the government is reportedly well aware of.
Teachers are expected to gather at 34 locations throughout Queensland, including a rally at the Southbank Convention Centre, before marching across the Victoria Bridge to the state parliament. Notably, Marsden State High School, the largest high school in Australia, is anticipated to see more than 160 of its teachers participate in the strike.
As the situation develops, Queensland parents are encouraged to remain informed and prepared for any changes in the usual school day.