Teacher strike action Tuesday will mean “minimal supervision” of Hawkesbury public school students

Public schools across the Hawkesbury could be hit by strike action on Tuesday as teachers who are members of the Teachers Federation (TF) plan to go on strike for 24 hours over a pay claim.

The Education Department is negotiating a new Award with the TF though the Industrial Relations Commission.

Richmond High School sent out a note to parents today saying, “As a result of the strike our school will be providing minimal supervision of students on Tuesday 7 December. This means the cohort arrangements that have been in place this term will not be in operation.

“However, our school will still operate in a COVID-safe manner in accordance with NSW Health guidelines,” says the note.

The proposed strike action is set to affect most public schools across the Hawkesbury as teachers fight for more than the 2.5% they are being offered.

The Industrial Relations Commission has ruled any industrial action by the NSW Teachers Federation is illegal while negotiations are underway, and the Education Department is urging them to call off any industrial action including the proposed 24-hour strike on Tuesday December 7.

“We are doing all we can to resolve this dispute with the Federation,” said the Education Department this morning.

The current Teachers’ Award expires on December 31. Rather than wait for the outcome of an arbitration decision by the Industrial Relations Commission in May next year, the Department intends to offer a 2.5% salary increase for teachers and related employees as soon as the current Award expires. This is the maximum amount allowed per annum under the Industrial Relations Act.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this disruption, especially given the challenges we have all faced this year. We will keep you updated on further developments as they come to hand,” says the note to parents from Richmond High School.

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