Government schools across the state, including Bathurst schools, will face major disruption, with students at more than 2000 primary and secondary schools without teachers until mid morning on Thursday December 8, while a stop work meeting vote is taken on whether to accept an offer by the Department of Education.

On Tuesday, the Teachers’ Federation sent an email to its members outlining what would occur on the day.

The email confirmed public school teachers across NSW will attend stop work meetings on Thursday where teachers will be briefed about the details of negotiations for a new salaries and conditions award and vote on an offer from the Department of Education.

It continued saying the meetings, being held at venues across the state, will commence at 8.45am and are likely to last for up to an hour.

Afterwards teachers will return to work following the televised broadcast.

NSW Teachers Federation President, Maurie Mulheron, said the timing of the meetings was designed to minimise disruption to schools.

 “Minimal supervision will be available for students for the duration of the meetings. Normal classes will resume after the meetings, Mr Mulheron said.

“In keeping with the democratic traditions of our union, these meetings will enable teachers to vote on an offer for a new salaries and conditions award.”

Teachers’ pay increases have been limited to no more than 2.5 per cent by the Baird government despite demands by the union to lift the cap.

Classroom teachers currently start on just under $50,000 with salaries increasing in 13 increments to $95,466. The highest paid principals receive $181, 312.