The ACT public schools directorate has shut down for two hours as staff walked off the job over a pay dispute. The strike, which took place on Wednesday, saw employees from the Education Directorate and public schools participate in industrial action from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
Union Demands
The Australian Education Union (AEU) ACT branch called for the strike, demanding a better pay offer from the ACT government. The union is seeking a 20% pay increase over three years, along with improved working conditions. AEU ACT branch president Angela Burroughs said the strike was necessary to send a message to the government.
“Our members have had enough of being undervalued and underpaid,” Ms Burroughs said. “We need a fair deal that recognises the hard work of our educators and support staff.”
Impact on Services
The two-hour shutdown affected services at the Education Directorate’s office and some school administrative functions. However, schools remained open for students, with classes continuing as usual. Parents were advised to check with their children’s schools for any specific disruptions.
An ACT government spokesperson said the government was committed to negotiating in good faith with the union. “We value our education workforce and are working towards a fair and reasonable agreement,” the spokesperson said.
Previous Industrial Action
This is not the first time ACT public school staff have taken industrial action. In 2022, teachers and support staff held a series of strikes over similar issues. The current dispute has been ongoing for several months, with negotiations failing to reach a resolution.
The union has warned that further strikes could occur if the government does not improve its offer. “We are prepared to escalate our action if necessary,” Ms Burroughs said.
Community Reaction
Some parents expressed frustration over the disruption, while others voiced support for the teachers. “I understand why they’re striking, but it’s inconvenient for working parents,” said a parent of two at a Canberra primary school. Another parent said, “Teachers deserve fair pay. They do an incredible job.”
The strike comes amid broader concerns about teacher shortages and workload pressures in the ACT. The union has called for more investment in public education to address these issues.
The Education Directorate has advised that normal services will resume after the strike period. Further negotiations are expected to take place in the coming weeks.
