NSW Teachers Federation president Angelo Gavrielatos has led a rally in Muswellbrook calling on Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell to intervene in its dispute over pay and conditions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The union has deferred industrial action this term to give Premier Dominic Perrottet time to negotiate over the new award.
IN NEWS TODAY:
- CCTV released in Newcastle Ocean Baths stabbing investigation
- Asbestos fears as 'mega' warehouse blaze fight continues
- 'Battled hard': how firefighters halted Wickham fire's spread to fuel depot
- Yogurtland: Siderovski companies' $3.2m debt wiped in $160,000 payment
- Knights' Mr Fix-It to play pivotal new role in 2022 season
The union wants a 5 to 7.5 per cent pay increase per year and two more hours of planning time per week.
The government is offering 2.04 per cent.
Mr Gavrielatos said uncompetitive salaries and unsustainable conditions had led to a "teacher shortage" that had hit regional areas hardest.
He said the latest data showed 73 vacancies in the Upper Hunter and he was asking MPs to "stand up" for their electorate and "stop providing cover for the government".
Mr Layzell said teachers played a "crucial role" but their pay was "fairly competitive" and there were regional workforce shortages across all industries.
He called for the strengthening of programs that maximised teachers' time improving student outcomes and reduced time on administration.
A Department of Education spokesman said NSW public school teacher salaries were competitive with those offered by other state education systems.
"Effective from the first full pay period after January 1, 2022 teachers have been paid an increase of 2.5 percent, the maximum possible under the NSW Government Wages Policy," he said.
"The government has always been at the negotiating table.
"Unfortunately the union has not attempted to enter into proper discussions on this matter, which is disappointing.
"The Award will be arbitrated by a Full Bench of the IRC in May 2022."
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
Helen Gregory
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
Helen Gregory joined the Newcastle Herald in 2010. She is the masthead’s education reporter and has written for the H2 and Weekender sections, as well as across a range of issues. Helen is a Walkley Award winning journalist and was also part of the Newcastle Herald team that won the United Nations World Environment Day Media Award for Environmental Reporting.
