TEACHERS from across the South East raised their voices on World Teachers’ Day in unity with thousands of educators across South Australia, demanding respect from the State Government during ongoing enterprise bargaining negotiations.
A rally held in Mount Gambier as part of the Australian Education Union’s (AEU) state-wide respect campaign was among a number of rallies held in Adelaide and regional centres.
Around 40 teachers and non-teaching staff met at Macs Hotel on Friday afternoon before walking to Member for Barker Tony Pasin’s office.
AEU lower South East organiser Daniel Pereira said negotiations with the state’s education department – which kicked off in April – had so far been “disrespectful and massively disappointing”.
“It is ironic that we are here on World Teachers’ Day to talk about a lack of respect from our State Government,” Mr Pereira said.
“After consulting with AEU members about the key issues faced in classrooms, we have presented the department with substantial evidence around excessive and unreasonable workload, admin burdens and job security.
“Of the 107 items we have presented to the department, 101 have been met with a ‘no’.
“No conditions have been addressed and the government has not offered a pay rise – six months of negotiations and we have not had an offer put on the table.”
Mr Pereira said a nationally competitive salary was vital to attract and retain quality educators in the state.
“There are seven government negotiators and only one of them has ever worked in a school – about 25 years ago,” he said.
“They are very far removed from the field and the work that goes on today.
“The level of disrespect aimed towards us has been shocking and the respect campaign is all about banding together and taking a stronger stand.”
Treasurer Rob Lucas rejected claims the government had not been engaging in “good faith”.
“On World Teachers’ Day, we acknowledge the important work teachers, preschool and other support staff do each day in educating our children,” he said.
“We are currently in the process of negotiating a fair and equitable enterprise agreement.
“Since early May, there have been ongoing, regular face-to-face meetings between the parties – often weekly.
“To date there have been 19 meetings between the parties and we look forward to these talks continuing.”
AEU country conditions standing committee member Lisa Rye said job security and permanency was an issue for both teaching and non-teaching staff.
“There is a lack of secure employment state-wide for support staff,” Ms Rye said.
“Most permanency is as little as 15 hours per week – not even a living wage.
“A majority of level one support staff are under classified and the department is refusing to undertake an audit.”
Shadow education minister Susan Close said South Australia had “above average levels of disadvantage”.
“If we are to continue to increase school completion – and therefore school performance – we need the best teachers,” Ms Close said.
“Good teaching should be rewarded.
“Teaching all students well, including those with learning difficulties and disabilities, stretching high achievers and maximising the number of students completing school are our shared challenges.
“Making sure teachers and principals are supported and rewarded for success is crucial.”
AEU members at rallies across the state collectively moved a motion to “condemn and deplore” budget cuts and proposed TAFE campus closures.
