Queensland state school teachers set to strike for 24 hours

Thousands of Queensland state school teachers will walk off the job for the entire day next Wednesday as pay negotiations with the state government heat up.

More than 95 per cent of Queensland Teachers’ Union members who voted in this week’s ballot supported a series of 24-hour stoppages – a total of 36,583 votes in support and just 1660 against.

All QTU members have been advised to stop work for 24 hours on Wednesday, August 6 and attend a strike meeting.

The decision will impact state primary and high schools across the state.Credit: Dan Peled

It is the first time since 2009 that teachers have taken strike action in Queensland.

Teachers who are not union members will be required to go to work and supervise any students who arrive at school next Wednesday.

In a statement, the Education Department said it preferred to resolve matters without industrial action, but acknowledged teachers’ rights to take this step.

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

“Principals are 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.”

On Monday, the department sought assistance from the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to reach an agreement.

The QTU executive met on Monday night, deciding that while recent negotiations with the department had been productive, they had not resulted in an acceptable offer.

Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the government remained at the negotiating table after 17 meetings over the last five months.

“Principals will inform parents about impacts on their school community,” he said.

The current offer includes a 3 per cent wage rise backdated to July this year, but the department warned backpay was dependent on accepting the offer by Thursday, July 31.

At meetings next week, teachers will consider several resolutions, including whether to take future industrial action.

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