Thousands of Catholic school teachers have quit their jobs today because they are demanding better wages and working conditions. The teachers met at the Sydney CBD to march through the Town Hall to make their demands known.
Teachers from 540 Catholic schools in NSW have gathered today across the state.
Thousands of Catholic school teachers go on strike in Sydney. (9 News)
Teachers walked around the city chanting “union, power” and “that you have to go 2.5 per salary cap.”
The Independent Education Union (IEU) is calling for a 10 to 15 percent pay rise and “reducing the paperwork” of teachers.
“Uncompetitive wages, unsustainable workloads and staff shortages have pushed them beyond their limits,” said IUE Secretary Mark Northam.
The union has threatened new union action if the demands are not met.
The union is calling for a 10 to 15 percent pay rise. (9 News)
NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said it was “disappointing” to see Catholic school teachers taking industrial action today.
“It’s really disappointing when union leaders decide to take union action,” he said.
“It affects a lot of families and students who have gone through a lot of things in the last few years.”
Teachers at 540 NSW Catholic schools are on strike today. (9 News)
It comes after public school teachers quit their jobs three weeks ago with the same demands on pay raises and working conditions.
Prime Minister Dominic Perrottet said the budget will address public sector salaries, but that will not affect the salaries of independent teachers who are on strike today.
“I would ask all of our public servants not to create inconvenience to our parents while we work with these issues,” he said.
“I can’t guarantee everyone will be happy with where we land.”