Salaries strike in June possible

By Dennis Long

Federation's Council meeting on June 14 will consider a state-wide stoppage to inform members of the progress of the salaries campaign and the implications of the State Budget if the Government does not increase its salaries offer.

The escalation of the salaries campaign highlights the need for the June State Budget to increase funding to public education.

Federation's May Council totally rejected the Carr Government's May 12 offer of three per cent from January 1, 2004 and three per cent from January 1, 2005 as "woefully inadequate and an insult to the profession", noting that it did not "even match the current inflation rate".

Federation has attempted to obtain an improved offer at conciliation sessions under the auspices of the Industrial Relations Commission on May 13 and May 26 and in a meeting between Federation President Maree O'Halloran and Education Minister Andrew Refshauge on May 19. Federation Senior Officers will continue to press for an improved offer from the Government prior to June Council.

The May Council meeting congratulated members who have stopped work in support of Federation's salaries claim and urged members to "use all media avenues" to keep up the pressure on the Government. Association presidents and secretaries have been noticeably successful in gaining publicity in the non-metropolitan press.

Council accepted the Government's offer of a two-year award and without negative changes or cuts to working conditions in schools and TAFE colleges. Council stated the Government's offer not to cut working conditions was "a long overdue recognition that teaching and learning conditions cannot be compromised".

Federation remains committed to achieving a settlement with the Government as the best outcome. However, planning continues for the salaries claim to be arbitrated in the Industrial Relations Commission. Preparation of an application on all salaries, rates of pay and allowances in line with Federation's full claim continues. Members are writing their evidence and Federation is approaching outside experts to be Federation witnesses to support the application. Inquiry into the Provision of Public Education in NSW chair Professor Tony Vinson has indicated his willingness to appear for Federation.

The union has called on Director-General Jan McClelland and other senior Department of Education and Training officials to publicly support the value of teachers' work. If this happened, it would hark back to an earlier period in civic life when departmental heads and senior staff were regarded as impartial public servants rather than political agents of the Government of the day.

Federation's paid advertising campaign in support of increased salaries, which commenced in January, will continue with another round of radio advertising in the lead up to the June Budget. Members are encouraged to lobby politicians by fax, phone and e-mail and to utilise the campaign engine on the Federation's website.

Dennis Long is the Editor.

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