The Australian Education Union ACT branch has announced a full-day strike for June 11, escalating industrial action after a two-hour stoppage on May 22. The union says the move is necessary as negotiations with the ACT government over a new enterprise agreement remain tense.
On May 22, Canberra public schools opened at 10:30am due to the first teachers' strike in 15 years. Teachers and staff rallied outside schools, citing concerns over class sizes, staffing, and safety.
Throsby School teacher Olivia Neilson said students deserve better resources and staffing. She noted that split classes are common, with teachers managing extra students daily. Belconnen High School teacher Jackson St George described the action as 'phase one', warning of longer strikes ahead. He highlighted safety issues, calling teachers 'the most assaulted profession in the country'.
AEU ACT branch president Angela Burroughs accused the ACT government of being 'out of touch' and not caring. Branch Secretary Patrick Judge said members are asking for minimum staffing commitments and recognition of extra resources needed for some students.
