Queensland teacher strike explained: Your questions answered

Thousands of teachers will walk off the job across the state for 24 hours next Wednesday. Here is everything we know about how it will impact students, parents and school staff.

The strike will unfold on Wednesday, August 6.

Thousands of Queensland teachers are set to walk off the job next week in the first strike action since 2009.

The strike will happen at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre over Enterprise Bargaining Agreements on August 6.

It will be the first time parents have gone on strike in 16 years. In 2009, the action was labelled as a “nuisance” by parents.

Here is everything you need to know about the strike.

Will schools close?

“Schools will be open and operational on August 6. However, where alternative arrangements need to be made, principals will communicate with parents and carers in a timely manner through the usual channels,” a department of education spokesman said.

Should I keep my kids at home?

The Queensland Teachers Union president Cresta Richardson has urged parents and caregivers to keep students at home and “make alternative arrangements”. However, Education Minister John- Paul Langbroek said he wanted students at school.

Queensland Teachers’ Union president Cresta Richardson.

What will school look like if I do send my kids?

“Appropriate support will be provided to students attending school, and schools remain committed to minimising disruption to learning,” the spokesman said.

“Schools have contingency plans developed in consultation with regional offices and non-teaching staff to maintain school operations.”

Planned parent teacher interviews will need to be rescheduled, according to an email from Patricks Road State School to parents.

“At this stage, it is unclear on how many teachers from Patricks Road State School will be participating in this industrial action,” principal Kerri McGrath wrote.

However, please be assured that the school will remain open during this time, though normal classes are likely to be disrupted.”

Will my school keep me informed?

“Principals will communicate with parents and carers through their school’s usual communication channels including emails,” the department spokesman said.

How will any missed learning be made up?

“Appropriate support and instruction will be provided to students attending school, and schools remain committed to minimising disruption to learning.”

Why is the strike happening?

The action came after the union rejected the Crisafulli government’s offer of salary increases of 3 per cent, 2.5 per cent, and 2.5 per cent over the next three years.

The union revealed a whopping 36,583 out of 38,243 total votes were in favour of the strike.

Originally published as Queensland teacher strike explained: Your questions answered