Teacher industrial action dangerous

THE actions already taken by the Australian Education Union Tasmanian Branch by stopping work recently and threats to ban a range of important administrative tasks is a disgrace and should be condemned.

Such actions in pursuit of a pay rise greater than the 2 per cent offered by the Government contrasts with the shocking conditions being endured by the state’s nurses and other medical workers in our hospitals, together with paramedics.

While the teaching profession is clearly challenging and most teachers are dedicated, many people would be envious of their security of employment, together with good pay and superannuation; long service leave, holidays and shorter hours of work.

The president of the Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations Nigel Jones is correct in saying that not taking school attendances was extremely dangerous and irresponsible ( Mercury, November 1). He said the measures would hurt parents and education outcomes, not the Government.