ACT school teachers are expected to stop work next month to support the Independent Education Union’s push to close the pay gap between ACT and NSW teachers.

Catholic schools teachers in the ACT will meet on September 13 to consider industrial action in support of the NSW/ACT IEU’s claim for improved pay and conditions. ACT government schools teachers are expected to stop work on September 8 over a similar claim.

“I know that all of our members across the country support our ACT colleagues in their push for improved pay and conditions,” IEU Federal Secretary Chris Watt said.

“Just over the border their NSW colleagues are receiving up to 7.5 per cent more for doing the same work.

“These kind of disparities are just not acceptable in 2011.

“Teachers are the backbone of our education system, and they deserve better treatment.

“Any industrial action by ACT teachers would be justified due to the unacceptable gap between ACT and NSW teachers.

“It is just not good enough that teachers in different jurisdictions across Australia are paid less than other teachers.”