Arabic version: إغلاق المدارس العامة في ACT يوم الخميس بسبب إضراب المعلمين

All ACT public schools will close on Thursday, June 10, as teachers and staff engage in a full-day strike over unresolved pay negotiations. According to ABC News, this action follows a two-hour industrial stoppage last month, marking the first significant strike by public school teachers in 15 years.

The strike arises from ongoing frustrations between the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the ACT Education Directorate regarding a new enterprise agreement. Teachers have expressed concerns about staffing levels, increasing workloads, and class sizes. The Education Directorate indicated that no on-site care would be available for students during the strike, emphasizing that student safety and wellbeing remain a top priority.

In response to the strike, the ACT government acknowledged the impact of school closures on families, stating that such decisions are not made lightly. Officials have worked to inform families as early as possible to assist with planning for the disruption. The directorate has assured that students will not be disadvantaged academically due to the closure and that schools will communicate any necessary adjustments to assessments or activities.

Education Minister Yvette Berry mentioned that negotiations had been ongoing and recent meetings took place last week. However, the union remains firm in its stance, with members voting for a full day of protected industrial action as their patience with the government has worn thin. School bus services will operate as usual, while out-of-school care providers are expected to communicate their plans for Thursday.