WA government urges teachers not to strike

State School Teachers Union WA president Matt Jarman.

West Australian Premier Roger Cook has urged teachers to reconsider the government’s latest pay offer before going ahead with a strike that would close more than 80 schools across the state on Tuesday.

“We already have a pay offer in front of the teachers which they are yet to consider, they opted to take industrial action before even considering the updated pay offer that we’ve provided to them,” he said on Sunday.

“We invite the teachers to come back to the negotiating table. We have an offer in front of them. We want them to consider that offer, put it to their members, and then, if they continue to be frustrated, perhaps then they could consider other activities.

“But just at the moment, they should be considering the pay offer that we put to them on April 10.”

The state had offered an increase of 5 per cent in the first year, followed by 3 per cent in each of the following two years – a total of 11 per cent.

Initially, they had offered an immediate 4.75 per cent pay rise, followed by 3 per cent in the next two years – a total of 10.75 per cent.

The State School Teachers’ Union WA has asked for no less than 7 per cent in the first year and 5 per cent in the second, a total of 12 per cent, and has stood firm on saying the industrial action will take place unless this request is met.

Cook said the bargaining arrangement was not just about wages.

“This is a significant package which represents significant change, and it represents an increase in the support that we provide to teachers in the classroom, in addition to the wages and conditions components of it, so I think it should be worthy of serious consideration before industrial action,” he said.

The Department of Education has confirmed 83 schools, including community kindergartens, will be affected by the half-day walk-off.

Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti said she also hoped it wasn’t too late to call off the strike, and that there was a good offer on the table.

“We know everyone always wants more, that’s what happens when people bargain for wages,” she said.

“From a government perspective, we’ve got to balance the ability to fairly give wage rises, but also manage the entire budget.

“There’s no need to strike. We’re out there engaging positively … we’re sitting down having that negotiation … allowances for regional WA, career progression, all those things are very much on the table.”

Union president Matt Jarman said members were facing significant workload issues, which were not adequately addressed in the government’s second offer.

“On top of that, teachers and school leaders have accepted four years of wage freezes while the cost of living has been skyrocketing,” he said.

“Our members deserve a decent pay rise and what the government has offered so far is not acceptable.”

This is the first time teachers have gone on strike in WA in more than a decade.

Comments on WAtoday’s social media channels such as the Instagram post above suggested overwhelming support for the teachers’ action.

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