‘Minimal supervision’: Warning to school parents as teachers flock to union meeting

Exams at some schools are tipped to be affected, however, HSC exams will not be impacted.

Schools are set to face disruptions on Monday morning as about 60,000 teachers flock to a union meeting.

The NSW Teachers Federation confirmed there would be “minimal supervision” at schools across the state as a result of the meeting between 8.30am and 10am.

“Teachers will briefly stop work this morning to discuss award negotiations, as is standard practice. This will conclude by 10am,” a NSW Teachers Federation spokesperson said.

The meeting happened on Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nikki Short

Some schools have warned parents to keep their children home until 10am, according to 9NEWS, while year 9 and 10 exams at some schools will be impacted.

A NSW Department of Education spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald HSC’s won’t be affected.

“Students sitting their HSC exams will not be impacted as invigilators are not covered, and there is a long-standing convention class teachers will be there for students as they go into their exams,” the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson told NewsWire classes will resume before 10am Monday.

“Members of the NSW Teachers Federation across the state have been asked to attend a meeting by the union to vote on a recommendation to members,” the spokesperson said.

“The meeting is on Monday 28 October at 8.30am.

“There will be some minor disruption to the beginning of the school day, with students to resume classes before 10am.”

The meeting will reportedly discuss a new pay deal put forth by the government.

The state government last year increased teachers’ starting salaries from $75,791 to $85,000 in a move endorsed by the Teachers Federation Council.

Education Minister Prue Car at the time said “pay is a mark of respect”, with the pay rise “desperately needed”.

“Striking this deal was vitally important, so our hardworking teachers can see they are respected by their Government, and being paid adequately for the hard work they are doing to educate the state’s students,” Mr Car said.

A spokesperson for the Education Minister told the Sydney Morning Herald “we respect (teacher’s) rights” and that “minimal disruption to classes and no disruption to exams” are expected on Monday.