Teachers across Queensland are walking off the job today, with parents urged to keep their children at home if possible.
More than 50,000 teachers are taking part in the industrial action, the second 24-hour strike to be held this year.
It comes amid an ongoing pay dispute with the state government, with unions rejecting an offer of an 8 per cent increase over three years.
The matter will automatically go to arbitration if the matter isn’t resolved by December 31.
The government had tried to force it to arbitration early but that was rejected by the Queensland Teachers Union.
“It has to go to arbitration so they might as well just bring it forward – go to arbitration earlier, and we get a good result for teachers and the welfare of the students,” Industrial Relations Minister Jarrod Bleijie said.
Queensland Teachers Union Vice President Leah Olsen says it’s more than just about money.
“What we do want is to be able to retain our experienced teachers in the classroom. We want to attract new teachers to the profession, and we want them to be safe from violence and unmanageable workloads,” Ms Olsen said.
“The Crisafulli government has a teacher shortage crisis. The Crisafulli government has a violence and aggression crisis in school. The Crisafulli government has a workload crisis in schools.”
Schools will remain open today to provide supervision for students who are unable to remain at home.
However, normal classes will not take place.
The industrial action has also forced dozens of schools to reschedule exams, sports carnivals and end-of-year celebrations.
More than 100 schools were due to hold Year 10 and 11 exams today.
Rallies will be held across the state today as part of the industrial action, with the main protest action taking place in Brisbane.
Gold Coast teachers will rally at the Broadbeach Cultural Centre in Mermaid Waters from 9am.
