In the week of the full resumption of NSW public schools, teachers and principals have been rewarded with a slap in the face.
NSW Teachers Federation President Angelo Gavrielatos said this pay cut is disrespectful of the role of teachers and principals who have turned themselves inside out to deliver the highest quality of education for students during the Covid-19 crisis.
“Whether this decision impacts today or in 12 months’ time, it still amounts to a pay cut and will be resisted by our members,” Mr Gavrielatos said.
“This is hardly the recognition teachers and principals deserve after the extraordinary efforts they have made to maintain educational continuity for our students during these unprecedented times.”
“And, a day after the Prime Minister waxed lyrical about skills crucial for our future productivity and prosperity, TAFE teachers, who have not received a pay increase since November 2018, have also been rewarded with a pay cut. Who do our politicians think is responsible for skills training?”
Mr Gavrielatos said the pay cuts will mean the loss of thousands of dollars in wages in the short term and tens of thousands of dollars more in the longer term through the impact on superannuation savings.
“Teachers recognise the economic impact of the pandemic but cutting the pay of 400,000 public sector workers removes the benefit of billions of dollars in spending from the wider community which would otherwise have provided a boost to the NSW economy.”
“It must also be recognised that the Berejiklian Government has wasted billions through the mishandling of major infrastructure projects including the Metro city and southwest rail project, the CBD and South-east light rail, the rebuild of Allianz stadium, the relocation of the Powerhouse museum and the Fish Markets redevelopment.”
“Teachers and principals along with nurses, police, firefighters and all other public sector workers who strive each day to deliver high quality services should not, along with their families, pay the price for the government’s budget blowouts.”
He said the NSW Teachers Federation would consider all industrial, political, and legal options in the defence of members’ rights.