Jim H.
The impressive Victorian
teachers’ strike, mass meeting and rally on 14 February in Melbourne, marked a
new chapter of the ongoing battle to defend the public education system.
It
was also about improving wages and conditions, not only as a right for
teachers, but also as an important factor for lifting morale and ensuring the
teaching outcomes that young students deserve. A great example has been set for
all working Australians.
By
the time of the meeting many more than 10,000 had filled Hisense Arena to
capacity. A large crowd had to stay outside and participate via video link. Another
successful meeting was held in Mildura. It was clear that the mood amongst
teachers is to fight and take on whatever is necessary to win through. The mood
is militant.
The
Australian Education Union’s carefully developed strategy was overwhelmingly
endorsed. This is based on the necessity for this to be long term strategy,
based on the need to isolate the main target, that is, the Victorian Coalition
Government, by winning and maintaining the support of the majority of
Victorians.
To
this end a period of local activities, geared to garner local support and
involvement is a major aspect of the current period. Emphasis will be put on
marginal electorates. While there is some concern about the danger of being
limited by parliamentary politics, in this case the method is justified as a
means of putting pressure on the government.
Some
critics have said that this amounts to subservience to the Labor Party. It is a
wrong view. Of course, this must also involve other action. The main thing is
to encourage the growth of local community activity in defence of schools and support
for the rights of teachers.
There
will be a range of rolling half day stoppages. Teachers at the mass meetings
overwhelmingly gave support to the strategy put forward by the Australian
Education Union.
March on Parliament
There
was a 30,000 strong march to Parliament House, with the sea of the union’s red
tee-shirts making an impressive sight that drew in many Melbournians. The march
then joined with the Independent Education Union, whose members were taking
their own action. This builds on the last rally in November 2012 that drew
similar numbers.
Representatives
of a range of other unions covering diverse industries gave their support to
the teacher’s efforts. The united purpose was to deliver a loud message to the
government.
Victorian
Trades Hall Secretary Brian Boyd told the assembled crowd that Trades Hall was
behind them all the way and ended with the words “you cannot lose.”
A good foundation
In
terms of the immediate industrial dispute, it is vital to focus on the
immediate enemy and take advantage of all contradictions. The major successes
of the campaign so far are the high level of community support and a capacity
to bring out more than half of all union members.
The
large turnout reflects this community support, especially among parents and
students.
It
provides a very good foundation to expand organising work in the schools and
local communities. The prospects look good for building the campaign and
forcing the government to back off on ‘performance pay’ and to finally concede
a decent pay rise for teachers. Premier Baillieu’s future is less certain.
Defend public education
Defence
of the public education system is not only important for its own right. It is
also an important aspect of the ongoing efforts of working Australians to build
a better and fairer future, and works in the direction of raising the capacity
to exercise our national independence and self-determination. The work that
teachers do in the schools, despite the imposed limitations, works towards
empowering the people. Nothing could be more important.
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