Gold Coast teachers have walked off the job as part of 24-hour statewide strike action.
The move has left the parents of 560,000 students across Queensland scrambling to find alternative arrangements after being urged to keep kids at home.
However, the Education Department has assured parents that schools will be open today to provide supervision.
The industrial action comes amid an ongoing pay dispute with the state government.
Teachers have been offered a 3 per cent pay rise this year and 2.5 per cent for the following three years.
Queensland Teachers Union President Cresta Richardson says the decision has not been taken lightly.
“This is the first time in 16 years that Queensland Teachers Union members have taken the action and the decision to go on strike, so it’s a really significant step,” Ms Richardson said.
They’ve also raised concerns about safety and their workload.
“We don’t have enough teachers and school leaders in our schools, and everything rolls out of that.
“Many teachers take a lot of work home and do work after their own kids have gone to bed at night. There’s always more stuff to be done.”
Teachers will rally in various locations across the state, with the biggest one to take place in Brisbane.
“We’re having a big meeting in Brisbane, but also all around the state there will be up to 30 other meetings.
“So, teachers will come together around the state, and members in regions will be considering where to from here and having some conversations about that.”
