Teachers and school support staff at Ipswich Girls' Grammar School (IGGS) and Ipswich Junior Grammar School (IJGS) will strike tomorrow (Tuesday, 4 June 2024) for three (3) hours from 11:55am until 2:55pm.
Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Organiser for Ipswich Andrew Elphinstone said employees had no choice but to take strike action.
"As employers, IGGS and IJGS have failed to take the steps needed to resolve the key concerns of members at a negotiating meeting held earlier today," he said. Mr Elphinstone said staff are seeking action on three key issues – a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) payment, a new automatic step for experienced teachers and flexible access to leave.
"Taking any form of protected industrial action, especially strike action, is always a last resort for IEU-QNT members, but the employer has left them no other choice," Mr Elphinstone said.
"IEU-QNT members aren't just taking this action because they deserve better working conditions, they are fighting for the future of the IGGS and IJGS school community.
"The employer proposal puts at risk attracting and retaining high-quality teachers for IGGS and IJGS students, now and into the future," Mr Elphinstone said.
