BY DARCY MCGAVIN
Hunter TAFE teachers are walking off the job this week, in the latest wave of industrial action.
Staff at Belmont and Kurri Kurri TAFE already walked out on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, holding a one-hour stop work meeting at midday.
Newcastle teachers are set to follow suit on Wednesday, as a dispute with the State Government over pay and conditions continues.
Teachers Federation members are calling for fairer wages, job security, sustainable workloads and better working conditions.
It's the first time in eleven years that TAFE Federation members are taking industrial action, and has been designed to have minimal impact on student learning.
Teachers Federation TAFE Organiser Annette Bennett says the strikes send a clear message, the issues need to be addressed.
"It's up to the government, they've not listened to TAFE teachers eleven years," Bennett said. "The cuts to teachers conditions affect the students learning conditions."
"The teachers across the board have had enough of their salaries diminishing and their working conditions getting worse."
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| Staff walking out at Belmont on Monday. Image credit: Yasmin Catley. |
