Thousands of public school students will miss morning classes from today as teachers take industrial action over what their union is calling a crisis in education.
The Australian Education Union Tasmania will begin the first of its rolling stoppages across the state today, with schools closed from the start of the day until 11am. Classes will resume at 11:30am.
The north-west will be affected today, while northern Tasmania – including Launceston and Deloraine – faces closures tomorrow.
Schools in southern Tasmania, including Hobart, will shut on Thursday morning.
The Department for Education, Children and Young People said schools had communicated directly with families about local arrangements.
“Students should arrive after 11am for classes to commence at 11:30am,” the department said.
The union says teachers have been left with no choice but to strike.
“We’re fighting for reasonable workloads and safe classrooms for our students,” the union said.
“We thank parents and the school communities for the incredible support they have shown educators who are fighting to improve learning for all kids.”
The union has blamed Premier Jeremy Rockliff for the situation, following failed negotiations with public sector workers over a one-year, 3% pay rise.
“Despite Premier Rockliff’s attempts to shift the blame – he caused this,” the union said.
“We refuse to bear the results of his government’s decade of failure. Our students and coworkers have suffered enough.”
The state government last week urged the union to reconsider the strike, saying the action would cause major disruption for many families.
