HUNTER teachers intend to go ahead with industrial action next Tuesday despite an order from the Industrial Relations Commission.
The IRC issued orders on Monday instructing members of the Teachers Federation to "cease organising and refrain from taking any form of industrial action". The orders also outlined instructions for the union to issue a public statement retracting the direction for members to strike on Tuesday, December 7.
NSW Teachers Federation Regional Organiser Jack Galvin Waight told the Newcastle Herald the federation has "absolutely no intention" of revoking the strike which he says "will proceed".
"Hunter teachers are saying enough is enough," he said.
"The teacher shortages are too large and their cause, uncompetitive salaries and unmanageable workloads, too great for teachers and principals not to proceed with this action."
NSW Education Secretary Georgina Harrison said the department is calling on the Teachers Federation to "put students first" following the IRC decision.
"The decision makes it clear that strike action by the NSW Teachers Federation is unlawful," she said.
"Parents want their children in school and no one needs another day out of the classroom after such a disruptive year."
The strike will come on the back of state-wide federation rallies throughout November. According to NSW Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos "teachers and principals are seeking a salary increase of between 5 to 7.5 per cent a year" and "an increase in preparation time of two hours a week" in order to attract and retain teachers.
