Around 1,500 education workers gathered to protest in Launceston today as teachers walked off the job over pay and conditions disputes with the government.
Hobart teachers are set to rally on Parliament lawns tomorrow while the House of Assembly sits inside.
“I have never, in all my time in education, seen as many people from the education profession at a strike action,” Australian Education Union Tasmania state manager Brian Wightman said of today’s strike..
The rolling strikes have hit different regions on different days, with north-west schools closed on Tuesday, northern schools including Launceston today and southern schools including Hobart on Thursday.
“Based on population, [Hobart will] be the largest of the rallies,” Wightman told Pulse.
“It sent a very clear message today [in Launceston] to the government that they need to start listening a bit more carefully.”
Multiple public sector unions are participating in the coordinated action, including the Australian Education Union, HACSU and CPSU.
Despite government claims it wouldn’t negotiate during strike action, Wightman said talks were still continuing.
“Offers continue to be received and we have provided feedback,” he said.
“While it’s getting closer, we’re not there yet.”
The union leader expressed hope for a resolution before March 31, but said the outcome depended on the government’s response.
The previous proposal from the government included a 3% pay rise in the first year, 3% in the second year and 2.75% in the third year.
Tasmanian Education Minister Jo Palmer said the government’s offer would “ensure our hardworking teachers get a pay rise, more allowances and improved conditions”.
“I don’t want to see disruption to students, families or businesses. I will continue to work through this process, negotiating with the unions in good faith,” she said.
“Every school day matters and we want our students in the classroom learning.”
“The proposal on the table for teachers has been worked through hand in hand with the unions over the past months, and it’s really disappointing that the Australian Education Union rejected the offer without putting it to teachers for a vote.”
