Strike in schools likely next term

Education support workers have given union delegates the go-ahead to call on them to strike during the next school term.

The workers, including education assistants, gardeners and cleaners, made the decision at a United Voice meeting last week which was attended by more than 200 members from across the region.

United Voice assistant secretary Carolyn Smith said the members were upset with the lack of progress in their negotiations for a pay rise with the State Government.

‘‘They’re aware that there’s 12 weeks left of school and they think the Government is trying to wait them out and they’re not happy about that,’’ she said.

‘‘There was a decision made that once they’re back at school that action could be called, and they gave the union delegates the authority to call on them.’’

Commerce Minister Simon O’Brien said threats of industrial action were not necessary.

‘‘Negotiations have been progressing in a cooperative manner and we do not believe threats of industrial action at this early stage will assist the parties reaching agreement,’’ he said.

‘‘The government recommends the union withdraw its threat of industrial action at this early stage of negotiations.’’

During negotiations the government offered the workers a pay rise of $25 per week, while members were aiming for an $80 per week increase.

In negotiations three years ago, education support workers received an extra $20 per week.

Ms Smith said the Government was dragging its feet on the issue and members were suffering as a result.

‘‘They’re really frustrated — they had the lowest pay increase of any sector in the State because the government used the global financial crisis as an excuse.

‘‘They’re really struggling,’’ she said.

Mr O’Brien said the Government was looking forward to successfully completing negotiations by the end of 2012.

‘‘The Government values the important contribution education assistants make to our community,’’ he said.

‘‘Government wages policy aims to deliver fair, balanced and economically sustainable outcomes for the government and its employees.’’