One in five schools close as thousands of teachers strike in Adelaide

Nearly 200 schools have closed as thousands of teachers rally on Flinders St this morning.

Gabriel Polychronis

less than 2 min read

November 29, 2018 - 10:15AM

Nearly 200 schools shut up shop this morning as more than 3000 teachers went on strike, shutting down Flinders St.

Parents were forced to make alternative arrangements as one in five public schools and preschools closed until 12.15pm.

This morning, 692 schools and preschools opened and 183 closed.

A sign out the front of Alberton Primary School due to the teachers strike. Picture: Simon Cross.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF CLOSURES

194 of the schools that opened ran a modified learning program to cope with staff shortages caused by the strike.

The strike began at 9.30am with teachers—reportedly numbering at more than 3000—rallying outside the Department of Education's Flinders St headquarters in Adelaide demanding more pay, extra sick leave and smaller classes.

Police closed off Flinders St as teachers spilled out onto the road, singing 'You're the Voice' by John Farnham and capping things off with 'Respect' by Aretha Franklin.

Other rallies also took place at 9.30am in regional places such as Whyalla, Mount Gambier, Port Augusta and Port Lincoln.