School Starting With Pay Debate

Newcastle Herald

Saturday January 26, 2008

By MATTHEW KELLY Education Reporter

THIRTY-five years ago school teachers' wages were comparable with those of state MPs. Today a teacher earns about half what a state MP gets.

The Hunter's public schools could be hit with industrial action early in term one if the State Government refuses to enter into negotiations for a 15 per cent wage rise for teachers over three years.

The Teachers Federation also wants the Government to employ more teachers and to sign a statewide staffing agreement.

The outcome of the meetings will be taken to the federation's council meeting on February 9.

"We are not saying it [industrial action] would be immediate but depending on negotiations it could be sooner rather than later," Teachers Federation Hunter organiser Jeff Ainsworth said.

Director of the University of Newcastle's Centre of Full Employment and Equity Bill Mitchell has backed the teachers' pay claim.

"Given the current inflation environment, 15 per cent over three years is not much more than a compound catch-up," Professor Mitchell said.