Public schools in the St George and Sutherland Shire area will be without the majority of their teachers on Thursday morning, as teachers walk off the job to discuss pay issues.
The NSW Teachers Federation, which represents more than 70,000 teachers across the state, has planned a stop-work meeting for 8.45am on Thursday. The meetings are being held at various locations and will run through to mid-morning, following a televised broadcast. Teachers will then return to work.
The federation said all public schools in the Sutherland Shire and St George area would be affected by the stop-work meeting.
Local schools, such as Woolooware High School, have informed parents of the disruptions to class, asking parents to plan ahead.
“Woolooware High School will be operational with minimal supervision on Thursday 8 December 2016 from 8:30am to 9.57am. It is recommended that where possible parents seek alternate arrangements for their children during this time,” the school posted on its Facebook page.
“Full staff supervision and normal school routines and lessons will begin at 9.57am (period 4) on Thursday morning following the meeting.”
Some reports have estimated 50,000 primary and high school teachers will be unavailable during this time.
The Department of Education said each school will advise parents of arrangements and parents should contact their child’s school with any questions about supervision.
During the meetings, teachers will be briefed about the details of negotiations for new salaries and vote on an offer from the Department of Education.
NSW Teachers Federation president Maurie Mulheron said the timing of the meetings was designed to minimise disruption to schools.
“Minimal supervision will be available for students for the duration of the meetings. Normal classes will resume after the meetings,” Mr Mulheron said. “In keeping with the democratic traditions of our union, these meetings will enable teachers to vote on an offer for a new salaries and conditions award.”
Minister for Education Adrian Piccoli told the Sydney Morning Herald the federation should hold its stop-work meeting outside of class time.
"I have suggested the [Teachers'] Federation hold their meeting outside of school hours," Mr Piccoli said.
An offer was made to the NSW Teachers Federation on November 28 which includes pay increases of 2.5 per cent per year, consistent with the NSW Public Sector Wages Policy for a three-year award commencing from January 2017.
