By Melanie Sjoberg
ADELAIDE — More than 1000 people rallied at Noarlunga in the southern suburbs on May 8 as part of the campaign against the state Liberal government's cuts to education. Around 100 schools were closed as part of the rolling stoppages. This followed a similar sized rally which closed more than 200 schools on May 1.
The majority of employees in the Department of Education and Children's Services (DECS) are prepared for strong action to improve working conditions and maintain the public system. Both Labor and Liberal governments have reduced funding to education over several years, resulting in larger classes, greater workload for teachers and support staff, eroding equipment and a less effective learning environment for students.
The establishment media have consistently portrayed this campaign as "greedy teachers" looking for a pay rise and failed to report the widespread support amongst parents and the community. The combined Principals Associations have now also produced public statements of support.
South Australian Institute of Teachers vice president Ken Drury expressed frustration with the media and government fixation on the wage component of the claim. He said that the future of quality education was at the heart of the dispute and pointed out that SA teachers, who once had some of the best working conditions, are now lagging behind the rest of the states in student/teacher ratios and wages.
Other speakers supporting the actions included: Virginia Edwards, Yankallila area school principal; Peter Mullins, convener of the southern area school councils; and a representative from ANGEE, the private schools' teachers association.
SAIT president Janet Giles received a rousing response when she stated that the stoppages were endorsed by an 80% vote in the southern area. She described SAIT as "the most united we have ever been as a union" and emphasised the importance of maintaining that.
Another rolling stoppage is scheduled for May 15 in the central and western areas, along with another rally. Union members in DECS have implemented a range of industrial bans aimed at disrupting administrative activities. Bans have been imposed on surveys and documentation not related to students and on performance management and quality assurance programs.