TAFE teachers strike for better pay
Posted
Classes have been cancelled at several south-west Victorian TAFE campuses today as part of a union-led strike.
The Australian Education Union is calling on the State Government to lift TAFE teacher wages by at least $10,000.
TAFE teachers from Warrnambool, Ballarat and Geelong will attend a rally in Melbourne.
The union's Rob Stewart says the previous federal government's WorkChoices legislation is still in place, meaning its members risk being fined by the State Government.
"Our members know that, but they're prepared to risk the possibility of further action because this claim has to be resolved and it's an insult to our members that they have to wait two years for a resolution," he said.
South West TAFE says about 25 per cent of its teachers have indicated they will strike.
The executive manager of teaching, Maurice Molan, says classes for 1,000 students have been cancelled.
"At this time of year it's not critical in the sense that there's not exams on or there's no preparation for exams, had this industrial action taken place perhaps half-way through fourth term it may have had a more detrimental effect on the students," he said.
"But clearly given when it is being held we believe we can manage it."
