Second strike by teachers
Teachers on the Peninsula went on strike for the second time on Wednesday, June 2, over their pay dispute with the State government.
Around 100 teachers including those from primary schools, high schools, TAFE and retired teachers attended a meeting at Woy Woy Leagues Club on the day, to hear the latest information from the Teachers Federations' Executives via SKY channel.
President of the Ettalong, Woy Woy teachers association Mr Rob Landow said that, despite the local association being small, he was overwhelmed by the response from Peninsula teachers.
"I had had phone calls and emails from Woy Woy teachers saying that they will not be attending the Central Coast Leagues Club venue; as this was closer to home.
"Teachers heard that the State Government had been down grading their spending on education, schools and children over the years.
"Now, when asked to properly fund education, the Premier, the Treasurer and Minister Della Bosca, have threatened to take even more money out of the education budget.
"Apart from a State mini budget review, where they claim they were in a strong financial position, the State Government is now crying poor.
"Any intelligent person can see through this con," he said.
"Teachers have shown the Industrial Relations Commission that much of their increased workload has resulted from Bob Carr's political grandstanding."
Mr Landow said there was a list issues Mr Carr was expecting teachers to address. These included:
*
Drug problems - "It is about educating the kids in schools."
* Technology and computers - "This will be taught in schools."
* Standardised tests and reporting - "This will be implemented in schools."
* Obesity - "Let's look at this in the early ages. At schools."
* Girls have less opportunities - "Schools can implement programs for this."
* Boys are now not achieving - "We will remedy this in schools."
Press release, June 2
Rob Landow, President Ettalong, Woy Woy teachers association