The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) backs Premier Jeremy Rockliff’s call for the Australian Education Union (AEU) to reconsider planned industrial action that would close or disrupt schools next week.
“Tasmania’s businesses need schools open,” TCCI CEO, Michael Bailey OAM, said. “A strike would place an undue burden on employers and employees alike. Many parents will simply not have the time or capacity to arrange alternative childcare at short notice, leading to widespread absenteeism, lost productivity, and avoidable costs for small and medium enterprises.”
TCCI acknowledges the valuable work of teachers and school staff and supports fair, affordable wage outcomes. We welcome the Government’s offer of an interim pay rise while negotiations on a longer-term agreement continue, and we urge all parties to keep students in classrooms while bargaining proceeds in good faith.
Key points
- Keep schools open: School closures or partial closures force parents to miss work, hitting SMEs, hospitality, retail, health, and services at a time of tight staffing.
- Interim pay now, talks continue: An interim wage rise provides immediate support to staff while allowing space to reach a sustainable multi‑year agreement.
- Minimise community disruption: Children’s learning and family routines should not be collateral in industrial negotiations.
TCCI’s position
- We urge the AEU to pause strike action and participate in time‑boxed, Commission‑facilitated conciliation to finalise a pathway to a longer‑term agreement.
- We call on the Department of Education to publish clear contingency arrangements so employers and families can plan if disruptions occur.
“Tasmania’s economic recovery depends on predictable schooling, workforce participation and business certainty,” said Mr Bailey.