Queensland childcare centres are expected to close on Wednesday: See if your centre is on the list

More than 50 Queensland childcare centres are expected to ‘shut down’ on Wednesday over a union pay dispute. SEE THE LIST

Dozens of Queensland childcare centres will temporarily shutdown on Wednesday amid an ongoing pay dispute with thousands of families impacted across the state.

United Workers Union director for early education Helen Gibbons said the shutdown was part of a fight for reform after “decades of inaction”.

Ms Gibbons said the industry was in crisis and that educators were leaving the sector in record numbers due to burnout, workload pressures and low pay.

Goodstart Early Learning Centres dominate a list of more than 50 daycares in Queensland to be either fully closed or closed for half a day.

Centres will be temporarily closed in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Rockhampton with parents advised to contact the individual daycare for more information.

Ms Gibbons said the industry had been crippled by thousands of staff vacancies across the country and that centres were forced to turn away children as a result.

Dozens of Queensland childcare centres are expected to temporarily shutdown on Wednesday amid an ongoing pay dispute. Picture: Supplied

“This all means that taxpayers are not getting what we pay for. Many children not getting the best possible early learning environment and parents are often not able to find appropriate care,” she said in a statement.

“The Federal Government must urgently take concrete steps to address the workforce crisis in early education and reform the sector.”

Ms Gibbons said the union members have called on the government to work with its educators to “urgently” outline a plan and a timeline to deliver on three key priorities.

An estimated 70,000 families throughout Queensland could be impacted by their daycares closing for either a half or a full day on Wednesday. Picture: Supplied

It includes a “reason to stay and pay what they’re worth”, to value early learning as part of the education system and be as important as schools and to put children before profit.

“Early childhood educators perform a vital role in our society and have the respect of the parents and families they support. It’s time for the Federal Government to respect educators too,” she said.

Ms Gibbons said there had been an outpouring of support from parents, families and the community since the shutdown action announcement in July.

She said an estimated 70,000 families were expected to be impacted with action in every state and every capital city.

The union members reported 98 per cent of educators said staffing shortages were impacting on the quality of care and education the children receive.

The union also reported 18 per cent of centres were operating with a staffing waiver because of the struggle to find staff and that 12 per cent of long day care centres were failing to meet minimum standards.