SCORES of angry teachers marched through the streets of Swan Hill on Wednesday, as teachers from across the district engaged in stop work action.
Police watched on as the group of about 30 teachers and educational support staff from the Australian Education Union (AEU) and the Independent Education Union (IEU) marched from the Swan Hill Town Hall to the office of the Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh.
No chants were cried but banners were held high and black and red union shirts were in abundance.
At several points along the Campbell Street march, teachers cordially greeted students who were absent from school due to the industrial action.
Swan Hill College AEU sub-branch president Hayley Siddons said, as far as she knew, this was the first march Swan Hill teachers had partaken in for many years.
“We’re striking today because the government has moved the goal posts during the negotiation process,” she said.
“The pay is not the biggest issue, the biggest issue is performance pay: we just cannot see how that could be equitable across the board.
“It will create division between principals and teachers and teacher and teachers, and particularly for principals in small communities like this that is going to create a lot of problems.”
Although he was unable to meet the strikers during the rally, Mr Walsh told The Guardian he was disappointed that the union had chosen to break off negotiations and take strike action.
“The AEU is out of touch with reality,” he said.
“The Government’s offer would see all teachers receive a pay rise of 2.5 per cent and for the best 70 per cent of teachers a substantial bonus each year.
“However, the 30 per cent across the board pay rise being demanded by the AEU is irresponsible and would cost working taxpayers $14 billion.
“I encourage all members to pressure the AEU leadership to return to the negotiating table.”
