Teachers Strike to Proceed

Date: 04 May 2000

Ms Sue Simpson, President, NSWTF said today,

"Federation regrets the disruption caused in schools and colleges by Thursday's teachers strike. The responsibility for this disruption rests squarely with the Carr Labor Government which has rejected the Federation's proposal which would have resolved the long running salaries dispute.

"As a result of the Government's rejection of the Federation's proposal for arbitration of outstanding matters, arising from 12 weeks negotiations, the 24 hour strike, Thursday 4 May, consistent with the views of over 20,000 teachers who attended Skychannel meetings 14 April, will proceed.

"The strike has been called to demonstrate to the Government teacher support for
· no salary discounting
· salary parity for casual school teachers
· pay equity for TAFE part-time teachers
· no increased workload for teachers, and
· respect for teacher professionalism.

"The teacher shortage upon us affects the educational well being of students. Research shows that by 2004 Governments will only be able to meet 81% of demand for primary school teachers and only 66% of demand for high school teachers. The salary increases "offered" will not provide the necessary incentive to retain experienced teachers in schools, nor attract graduates in the numbers required to address this massive teacher shortage.

"The suggestion that public school teachers be paid less and casual teachers continue to be paid significantly less than teachers in the non-government sector, whose salaries are largely funded by the Government, represents an attack on Public Education.

"Today's statement of Deputy President Sams does not address the substance of the dispute. Attacks on the Federation's democratic processes and continued denial of the unity, anger and determination of the teaching profession do nothing to resolve the dispute", said Ms Simpson.

For further information

Contact:	John Hughes
Union:	NSW Teachers Federation
Phone:	0418 423834
WWW:	http://www.nswtf.org.au/

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