Tensions rise as Tasmanian unions plan stop-work action at schools

AS tensions rise between the Government and unions about industrial action planned by teachers this week, uncertainty is hanging over what’s going to happen to students during the stop-work.

Australian Education Union State President Helen Richardson and State Manager Roz Madsen. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

THE Tasmanian Government has been urged to give parents and carers assurance about what plans have been made for students when teachers stop work as part of widespread industrial action this week.

Tensions are growing about a stop-work planned for Wednesday afternoon, which will see action by a range of Tasmanian unions.

In a memo to a number of staff, obtained by the Sunday Tasmanian, the Government has warned the action is “unauthorised” and has urged managers to take note of workers who participate because their pay may be docked for the stop-work period.

Deputy Labor Leader Michelle O’Byrne said the Government should stop its “bullying” threats and instead hurry up and make a decision about whether schools will be closed on Wednesday afternoon.

“This is either ridiculous bullying or a childish tantrum — I’m not sure which,” she said.

Ms O’Byrne said the Government had known for some time that teachers would be leaving early.

“The [Education] department has to assume that schools will not be able to provide duty of care after a certain time on Wednesday and by now should have organised alternative arrangements … for students,” she said.

Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff urged the Australian Education Union to call off the action.

“I would urge the AEU to reconsider their action and for them to instead acknowledge the Government’s plan to recruit more teachers and teacher assistants that will provide our students with the best education possible,” he said.

Mr Rockliff said he would take advice from the Education Department about the impact of the action on the safety and well being of students.

“In the first instance, the department will be reminding all principals of their duty of care to ensure the safety of students, including implementing appropriate staffing arrangements to manage the absence of any staff who choose to leave work early on 24th October.”

The stop-work meeting is planned for 3-4pm on Wednesday, but it is expected teachers will need to leave schools earlier to travel to the 3pm meetings at rallies around the state.

Australian Education Union Tasmanian manager Roz Madsen said more than 90 per cent of teachers were union members, “therefore it’s expected schools will need to close early in order to fulfil their duty of care obligations”.

She said the action was aimed at ensuring educators in public schools and TAFEs received a fair wage increase and had more time to teach.

Ms O’Byrne said she believed the warning memo could be in breach of the Tasmanian Anti-Discrimination Act, as people should be able to take flex time for union meetings.

“You cannot discriminate on the basis of union affiliation,” she said.