15th May 2009

24 hour Industrial Action – 19th May 2009

1.     Further request for information from Principals

We have been advised this morning that once again the Department have changed their instructions to Principals.

This is a clear indication that the Government does not know what it is doing.

The Minister is now requiring information from Principals by telephone today.

This is an obvious attempt to intimidate Principals into attending work on Tuesday and not going on strike.

It is a clear attempt by the Department to solve the possible problem in some schools of students attending school on Tuesday – a problem that was in fact created by the Minister himself.

The Union’s advice is for Principals to indicate that “I am a member of the QTU, I will be on strike on Tuesday 19th May, I am unable to provide you with the information you require.”

As previously advised, the QTU will pursue anybody (including politicians) who attempt to intimidate Principal members.

2.     Statements by the Premier

It was reported yesterday “Premier Anna Bligh says parents should keep their children home if they can on Tuesday, when Queensland teachers strike for the first time in almost a decade.” (www.couriermail.com.au).

Unfortunately the Labor Premier of Queensland also saw fit to encourage Principals to break the strike by questioning the “leadership” of those who did. This is a disgraceful statement. It should be ignored. Principals are well aware of their rights and responsibilities as Union members and as Principals.

The Union appreciates the difficult position that Principals have been place in by the Department and thank you for your continued support.

John Battams
General Secretary 

Authorised by John Battams, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union,
21 Graham St,  Milton,Q.4064