Arabic version: إغلاق المدارس العامة في تسمانيا ليوم واحد بسبب الإضراب

Tasmanian public schools will be closed for one day this week as teachers go on strike following the rejection of the latest pay offer from the state government. According to ABC News, the closures will occur in phases: on Tuesday for the north-west, Wednesday for the north, and Thursday for the south.

The Australian Education Union (AEU) confirmed that the industrial action would proceed after they deemed the government’s offer insufficient. AEU Tasmania branch president David Genford stated that the union announced the planned strike more than two weeks ago to help families plan ahead for the disruptions.

Education Minister Jo Palmer expressed disappointment over the planned strikes, emphasizing the disruption it would cause for families, small businesses, and students’ learning. She noted that every school day matters for students.

The government’s proposal included a pay rise of 3 percent in year one, 3 percent in year two, and 2.75 percent in year three, along with various incentives. However, Genford indicated that while the offer was “getting closer,” there were still significant issues, particularly regarding job security and workload management. He highlighted concerns about a clause suggesting unions would “agree to right-size the workforce,” which he found unacceptable.

Palmer defended the government’s proposal, claiming it addressed vital issues raised by teachers over the past year, including increased support for school psychologists and funding for professional development. She expressed regret that the union had not taken the offer to a vote among teachers before deciding to strike.