NINE schools in the Bathurst Diocese will stop work next Wednesday morning to protest threats to pay, conditions and job security by Catholic employers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
They will rally at the Paddy’s Hotel from 9.30am to 10.30am, all dressed in red, and will be addressed by a number of speakers, including IEU organiser Jackie Groom.
Teachers were protesting against a proposed enterprise agreement that would mean a reduction in the pay rate for support staff, abolition of class size limits and the deregulation of teachers’ work.
“The union has been meeting with employers, both last term and on three occasions during the school holidays,” Ms Groom said.
“The union has pointed out in detail the shortcomings of the document.
“This attempt to strip back the working conditions of teachers and support staff, with its likely impact on teaching and learning, is not occurring in NSW government schools or in independent schools.”
After 12 weeks the Catholic Education Office hierarchy had not withdrawn from any aspect of the proposed enterprise agreement, she said.
Union general secretary John Quessy said he hoped the action would force Catholic employers to negotiate on the proposal.
“Members are assembling to protest the insulting and disrespectful proposal made by Catholic employers,” he said.
“They are also demonstrating their desire to protect the quality teaching and learning that they provide in schools.
