Qld teachers to strike on Wednesday, August 6 over pay

Teachers across the state will walk off the job for the first time in 16 years after the government’s latest pay offer – slammed by the shadow education minister as “insulting” – was rejected.

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

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

Queensland Teachers Union President Cresta Richardson said members had “overwhelmingly” voted in favour of a 24-hour work stoppage on August 6 across all state schools in Queensland.

In an email sent out to teachers today, 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.

This is the first time teachers have walked off the job to strike since 2009.

Teachers who are not union members will still attend work.

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

“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 to be clear, schools might be “open” on August 6, but they wouldn’t be running as usual.

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

“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?”

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said after 17 meetings over the past five months, the government remained at the table to finalise an agreement with the Queensland Teachers Union to support and resource teachers.

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

“Student safety will remain the priority and principals will inform parents about impacts on their school community.”

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

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

Ms Richardson said the protected strike action follows the Crisafulli government’s referral to conciliation in the Industrial Relations Commission following its failure to secure a deal with state schoolteachers and school leaders.

“The QTU looks forward to presenting its claim before the Commission and urges all community members to support resourcing and funding state schools appropriately,” she said.

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

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

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

Ms Schimming said despite 17 negotiation meetings over the past five months, the parties were unable to reach an agreement.

“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, but we respect the rights of employees to take protected 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.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said principals were responsible for the safety and wellbeing of students and for ensuring that appropriate instruction is provided to students attending for the duration of the strike, through contingency plans developed in consultation with regional offices and non-teaching staff.

“The department respects the Queensland Teachers’ Union’s right to take protected industrial action under the Industrial Relations Act 2016,” the spokesperson said.

“While we prefer to resolve matters without industrial action, we acknowledge employees’ rights to take this step.

“We remain focused on maintaining safe, operational schools and minimising disruption for students and staff.”

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.

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