Queensland teachers will walk off the job again next week as their pay dispute with the state government drags on.
Teachers had planned to hold more industrial action last week, but opted to hold off until the completion of Year 12 exams.
The union has confirmed 24-hour strike action will be held next Tuesday, which the state government says will still impact Year 11 exams.
Teachers have been offered an 8-per-cent wage increase over three years as well as incentives to attract and retain teachers, along with a new pay bracket for experienced senior teachers.
The state has also promised new anti-violence measures in schools.
But the offer has again been rejected by the Queensland Teachers’ Union, which has accused the state government of refusing to talk to them.
“This is quite simply a failure of the Premier, the Minister, and the Director-General to do their jobs. The deals offered have been roundly and soundly rejected and the serious issues facing state education ignored,” QTU President Cresta Richardson said.
Demonstrations and rallies will be held across the state during next week’s strike action, which the QTU says will send a clear message.
“This could all have been avoided. The only party unwilling to communicate and negotiate is the government. Our members give up their time to rally, they go without pay to strike, and the government has offered nothing but indifference and disrespect,” Ms Richardson said.
Parents are being urged to check with their children’s schools to see what arrangements will be in place.
Most schools are expected to remain open to provide supervision for parents who can’t keep their kids at home.
