First Time in 25yrs, Public, Catholic School Teachers Go On Strike
For the first time in 25 years, thousands of public and Catholic school teachers have walked off their jobs in New South Wales, Australia.
It’s estimated between 20,000 and 25,000 teachers marched down Macquarie Street in Sydney towards state Parliament yesterday calling for the Australian Government to address the sector’s staff shortages and increase pay.
Government had offered a three per cent pay rise in this year’s state budget but teachers have rejected the offer and instead are calling for a rise of between five and 7.5 per cent.
Teachers who have taken to the streets to protest for government action say they are overworked and underpaid.
“The conditions that teachers are working under now are not going to benefit our students,” a teacher told 9News.
Up to one million students are expected to be affected by the strike action.
Education Minister Sarah Mitchell
said the Government has done enough to address pay concerns.
Meanwhile, there are expected be more train delays as transport union continues strike
Commuters faced another day of chaotic travel in Sydney despite the Government agreeing to the rail union’s terms.
Transport Minister David Elliott said on Wednesday that the Government would spend more than $260 million to address safety concerns from train drivers about the new fleet.
However, the union says they want the offer in writing, which they will take to their members for a vote.
It’s hoped that commitment would be given within the next 24 hours and further negotiations between the union and government will take place today.
Services yesterday reduced by up to 70 per cent, which is expected to climb to 75 per cent today if the industrial action continues.