Qld teachers to strike on Wednesday, August 6 over pay

The powerful Queensland Teachers’ Union has urged parents to “make alternative arrangements” as thousands of staff prepare to walk off the job next week for the first time in 16 years.

• Your strike questions answered
• ‘Get a grip’: War of words erupts

The powerful Queensland Teachers’ Union has urged parents to “keep their kids at home” as thousands of staff prepare to walk off the job next week.

State school teachers across Queensland will go on strike next Wednesday for the first time in 16 years after the government’s latest pay offer was rejected.

Queensland Teachers’ Union President Cresta Richardson encouraged parents to make alternative arrangements to keep students’ home from school during the strike action.

“QTU members are participating in protected industrial action for the first time in 16 years following the government’s failure to recognise the significance of key issues affecting its members and school communities,” Ms Richardson said.

“The QTU appreciates the support received since this action was announced and encourages all Queenslanders to take an interest in promoting and protecting public education to make sure we have enough teachers and school leaders to fill our classrooms.”

President of the Queensland Teachers' Union Cresta Richardson. Picture: Richard Walker

In another statement, the QTU said the government’s offer would eventually mean Queensland teachers among the lowest paid in the country.

Ms Richardson said the strike was not just about pay, but about resources and education standards.

“We are not doing this for ourselves. Teachers and school leaders are resources, and the government needs to support our schools, parents, caregivers, and students deserve what their taxes pay for, not government excuses.”

QTU General Secretary Kate Ruttiman said the ballot result was a clear example of the frustration and the “perceived lack of respect” many teachers and school leaders were feeling.

“The teacher shortage crisis causes staff losses through burnout, which causes extra workload.

Education Minister John Paul-Langbroek said he wanted students at school, but it would be up to individual principals to make “appropriate arrangements.”

“It’s not as though you can just sit down and sort out a deal in five minutes. We’ve made a couple of offers to the teachers union and then of course, they have been rejected,” he said.

He said work was under way to make sure students who atteneed school would be safe and supervised. He said students were his number one priority.

Caloundra State School principal Brendan Bopf said he supported striking teachers, but that his school would be open for supervision.

Mr Bopf said teacher aides would ensure kids were safe. “If they can (stay home), sure I would encourage that but as I said, we will be here,” he said.

Teachers who are not union members will still attend work.

In an email sent to teachers on Tuesday, the QTU revealed a whopping 36,583 out of 38,243 total votes were in favour of the strike.

The union in June rejected the government’s offer of salary increases of 3 per cent, 2.5 per cent, and 2.5 per cent over the next three years.

Brisbane teacher Damion Douglass said teachers had been left with “no other option” but to strike.

Damion Douglass says teachers have been left with no other option. Picture: Adam Head

“This is about teachers carrying a broken system on our backs while being told to sit tight and smile through it,” he said.

“We’ve spoken. We’ve written letters. We’ve marched in unity. We’ve stayed late, showed up tired, covered the gaps, and absorbed the pressure. And in return, we get a reminder that our pay will be docked if we make noise.”

Mr Douglass said while schools might open on August 6, they wouldn’t be running as usual.

“Because it’s not buildings that make schools work. It’s teachers. And we’re the ones stepping up by stepping out. Legally. Peacefully. Purposefully. This is not a tantrum. This is not about greed. This is about the right to do our jobs well, and to do them without losing ourselves in the process.”

“So yes, the Department has said their bit. And now, we’ll say ours. Loudly.”

Mr Douglass said change “didn’t come from silence”.

“It comes from standing firm. See you on the front line fellow teachers.”

Teachers protesting outside Parliament House in June. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Shadow Education Minister Di Farmer said no one should have to walk off the job just to be heard.

“For dedicated teachers to walk off the job shows just how serious they are about this insulting offer from the government,” she said.

“The LNP are too busy playing politics, while our teachers are forced to fight for nation-leading pay and conditions.

“Why won’t the Premier and his Education Minister back them with nation-leading pay and conditions?”

Mr Langbroek on Tuesday that there had been 17 meetings over past five months, and the government remained at the table.

“The Government has requested conciliation through the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to progress an agreement,” he said.

Ms Richardson said the union looked forward to presenting its claim before the Commission.

Shadow Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen / Courier Mail

Minister for Education John-Paul Langbroek. Pictures: Adam Head

Parents have begun contacting schools for information following news of the strike action.

Education Department Director General Sharon Schimming sent an email to teachers on Tuesday.

“I am committed to keeping you informed on the progress of enterprise bargaining for a new Department of Education State School Teachers’ Certified Agreement 2025,” Ms Schimming said.

“QTU, as the union representing our teachers, have given notice to the department that their members will take protected industrial action on Wednesday, 6 August 2025. This will involve a 24-hour strike (work stoppage).

“Protected industrial action is allowed for under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 and is recognised as a right of negotiating parties to support or advance claims.”

Ms Schimming said the department’s preference was for matters to be resolved without the need for industrial action.

“We are working to minimise any ongoing impact of industrial action on schools,” she said.

“The safety and wellbeing of students and staff remains our highest priority. Schools will remain operational during this time, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure disruptions are minimised.

“Additionally, I would like to remind you of the ‘no work, no pay’ provision under the Industrial Relations Act 2016. For the avoidance of doubt, the department has determined it will withhold salary for employees who do not perform work as directed during a period of protected industrial action.”

There are 48,642 members in the Queensland Teachers Union, making it the second largest union in the state behind the Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union.

A rally will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 10.30am on August 6. Other rallies will be held around Queensland in the lead-up to the strike.

Originally published as Qld teachers to strike on Wednesday, August 6 over pay