By Abbey Cannan
Sunshine Coast Catholic school staff were part of 4000 Independent Education Union (IEU) members who took strike action across 106 Catholic schools on Wednesday 23 August.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said employees had no choice but to take strike action.
“Queensland Catholic school employers have failed to take the steps needed to protect working and learning conditions in their schools,” Mr Burke said.
“We have a workload crisis in our schools that needs to be addressed.
“Meanwhile, support staff in Queensland Catholic schools are still paid outdated and unfair wage rates.
“There are some significant challenges facing Queensland Catholic schools which have major impacts on staff and students.
“Our members are taking this action to raise the alarm that things need to change – it’s time the employers heard our voice,” Mr Burke said.
Sunshine Coast Catholic schools where IEU-QNT members took part in the strike included Noosa Flexible Learning Centre and St Thomas More Catholic Primary School in Sunshine Beach, Unity College in Caloundra West, and Gympie Flexible Learning Centre.
IEU Sunshine Coast Organiser Than Donaldson said, “We had a really good turnout. The biggest one was probably Unity College in Caloundra. They had almost 100 of their members work out.”
“It was really good to see them come out and stand up for themselves and others as it’s getting out of control. Some of the teachers I talk to say they’re working until midnight, working on the weekends, working on their holidays, it’s really taking time away from their families.
“We’ve also got our school officers who are on an outdated wage structure. The current structure for support staff and teach aide’s is over 30 years old.”
Than said all staff in all schools were going through this crisis.
“Our union has the most members in catholic schools so I suppose that’s why you’ll hear about catholic schools a bit more,” she said.
“Whereas smaller independent schools are not as likely to rock the boat as much.
“We’re hoping the employees will meet with us again because we would like to keep negotiating and try to work something out.”
