SA teachers rally against ‘unproductive pay negotiations’
UNPRODUCTIVE pay negotiations have prompted teachers to rally in Adelaide as their union says they feel disrespect from the State Government.
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HUNDREDS of teachers have hit the streets to protest a lack of progress in pay negotiations with the State Government.
The Australian Education Union held a rally outside the Education Department's city office yesterday afternoon, saying negotiations had left teachers with “an immense feeling of disrespect from this government”.
Union president Howard Spreadbury said the parties were still at loggerheads despite negotiations beginning with the Government in May, but the union’s claim being “largely dismissed”.
He flagged more industrial action unless substantial inroads were made, claiming it was necessary due to the Government’s “contemptuous attitude towards public educators”.
“Our proposal is about common sense in building a strong public education system in South Australia,” Mr Spreadbury said.
“It is not merely about pay and conditions but focuses heavily on ensuring that the conditions of employment within (the education department) offer the best possible education for our students.”
Treasurer Rob Lucas said regular face-to-face meeting had been held before the parties to strike a new pay deal for about 27,000 school and preschool staff.
“In fact, to date there have been 19 meetings between the parties, the latest was (on Thursday), and we look forward to those talk continuing,” he said.
Mr Lucas said the Government would not be “dictated to by mass shows of protest and unrest” and said the Government would be “firm but fair” during negotiations. He said any union argument the Government did not value educators was “senseless”, saying the State Budget delivered a record investment in schools.
Mr Lucas said talks had only kicked up a gear once the State Budget was delivered on September 4.
“I think in fairness to the AEU the early stages (of negotiation) could be classified as unproductive because the government negotiators were not in a position to say the government’s position is this, this and this,” he said.