Ipswich's teachers will strike
MORE than 20,000 Ipswich state school students will have an extra day off next term after teachers voted to strike for 24-hours on October 16.
Queensland Teachers Union (QTU) Moreton Organiser Steve Leese, who represents 98 separate sites in the wider Ipswich region, said the action was confirmed after a recent ballot of members.
Mr Leese said members had been forced into the action after negotiations over pay and conditions with the State Government broke down.
"It's regrettable because we don't take this type of industrial action lightly," Mr Leese said.
"We are advising parents to make alternate arrangements for their kids on that day because all QTU members will be on strike." The strike will include teachers from all Ipswich state schools including primary, secondary and special schools.
It's unclear whether Ipswich government run schools will close for the day or some staff will be available to supervise children.
The dispute centres on the removal from the state award of conditions including class sizes, beginning teachers' pay and the teacher transfer system.
QTU West Moreton principal representative Andrew Thompson said the action would impact school children and their families but if teachers agreed to the changes the impact on children's education could be even greater.
"These conditions directly impact the learning outcomes for our kids," he said.
Education Queensland chose not to comment on the industrial action when contacted by the QT.
