Thousands of WA Public School Teachers Strike for First Time in Decade

Thousands of public school teachers in Western Australia went on strike on Tuesday, affecting more than 80 schools across the state. The half-day strike, organized by the State School Teachers' Union of WA (SSTUWA), is the first such action by teachers in over a decade.

The union is protesting the state government's pay rise offer of 5% in the first year, followed by 3% in each of the following two years. SSTUWA president Matt Jarman said teachers and school leaders are overworked and underpaid, leading to many leaving the public education system. The union is seeking a 7% increase in the first year, followed by 5%, as well as improvements in working conditions and workload issues.

Why this matters: The strike highlights the growing discontent among educators in Western Australia over pay and working conditions. The outcome of the negotiations between the union and the government could have significant implications for the state's public education system and its ability to attract and retain quality teachers.

The government has said its offer is fair and has urged the union to continue negotiating. Treasurer Rita Saffioti stated, "We believe the offer we have put to the State School Teachers' Union is a fair offer and there is no need for this strike action today." However, the union believes the strike is a necessary step to ensure their members' concerns are heard.

The strike has disrupted normal learning programs, with some schools closing completely and others remaining partially open. The Department of Education has said that schools that do not have enough staff will be forced to close during the state, stop, work, action, and that teachers who participate in the strike will not be paid for the half-day.

The union has authorized further industrial action if no agreement is reached by May 10, including a potential full-day strike. Public school leaders have also announced they will take industrial action from next week, refusing to undertake certain administrative tasks.

SSTUWA president Matt Jarman emphasized the challenges faced by educators, stating, "Some teachers are struggling to afford basic necessities and are even moving back home with their parents due to the large class sizes and pressures from students with additional needs." The state government has acknowledged the teachers' demands, particularly for more support in dealing with students with special needs, and is working with the union to reach an agreement.

Key Takeaways

• Thousands of WA public school teachers went on a half-day strike, the first in over a decade.
• The union is protesting the state's 5-3-3% pay rise offer, seeking 7-5% instead and better conditions.
• The strike disrupted learning, with some schools closing and teachers not paid for the strike time.
• The union has authorized further action if no agreement is reached by May 10, including a full-day strike.
• The state acknowledges teachers' demands, particularly for more support with students with special needs.