QLD Teachers\’ Second Statewide Strike Forces Rescheduling for Years 10 & 11

QUEENSLAND : The second statewide strike by the Queensland Teachers\’ Union (QTU) this year is causing major disruption across the state\’s education system, forcing schools to reschedule critical Year 10 and 11 exams just weeks before the academic year concludes.

While most Queensland schools remain open (barring those affected by storm damage), the vast withdrawal of staff for demonstrations in cities from Cairns to Brisbane means schools are operating with severely reduced capacity.

The strike has directly impacted 109 Queensland schools that had Year 10 and 11 exams scheduled for today. Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek confirmed that 9News understands more than half of these schools have been forced to reschedule these assessments.

This disruption is particularly significant for Year 11 students, as their results from these exams contribute to their overall senior grade, adding stress to the final weeks of term.

The QTU rejected the government\’s final offer of an eight per cent pay rise over three years, arguing it is insufficient to tackle the severe teacher shortage.

QTU President Cresta Richardson emphasized the crisis is about more than money. \”We\’re running out of teachers and time to prevent a significant change in how state schools function,\” Richardson warned. \”The issues [workload, occupational violence, and aggression] are being downplayed and ignored.\”

The strike follows the government\’s refusal to meet the union to narrow the scope of discussions and agree on an interim three per cent pay bump before the dispute is automatically referred to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission on December 31.

Minister Langbroek stated that the government is keen to begin the formal arbitration process without delay. Despite the government\’s frustration with the industrial action, the QTU insists it was necessary, with Richardson concluding, \”Our members won\’t let this continue.\”