Parramatta schools stop work over salaries

Merrylands East Public School staff stopped work to protest the Government treatment of witnesses in the IRC. Other workplaces that have taken action this term include Hilltop Road Public School, Merrylands Public School, Rowland Hassall School, Kororo Public School, Tuggerah Lakes Secondary College — Berkeley Vale Campus, Fairfield Public School and Sir Joseph Banks High School.

by Henry Rajendra

Four Parramatta schools stopped work on November 6 in support of Federation's salaries campaign.

They were Hilltop Road, Merrylands East and Merrylands Public schools and Rowland Hassall School.

In a joint statement Federation Representatives of the schools, Margaret Cheah, Jeff Jackson, David Cowell and Moya Muller said: "Teachers are angry at the duplicitous tactics of the State Government in attacking the profession in the Industrial Relations Commission. The Government stands condemned for its deliberate decision to denigrate and devalue the profession in the Commission."

"Teachers at our schools have decided to take this action as a last resort," they said.

"We take tremendous pride in the work we do at our school. Our parents and the broader community recognise the commitment of teachers in achieving quality educational outcomes for all students. Unfortunately, the State Government has decided to ignore the value of teachers' work."

Teachers voted on a motion condemning the State Government's lack of respect for the profession and an inadequate pay offer. Teachers emailed and wrote to politicians expressing their anger and frustration.

"We demand the following from the State Government:

"*Agree to fully fund from Treasury any increase in pay awarded by the Industrial Relations Commission and not reduce some other area of the Education Budget to pay for the increase. The recently announced State budget surplus of excess of $600 million is more than sufficient to do this. "*Follow the example set by the Catholic schools employer and advise the Industrial Relations Commission that they recognise and agree there has been a significant increase in the workload and value of teachers' work. This action would honour the commitment given by the Minister Dr. Refshauge on May 13, 2003. "*Keep its promise that a new award will be in place by January 1, 2004 and ensure that pay increases are paid from that date. "We are also calling upon the local State MPs, Ms Tanya Gadiel and Mr Kim Yeadon, to support local teachers in their claim for salary justice." Henry Rajendra is a City Organiser.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005