Victorian Catholic school students face chaotic disruption as teachers plan industrial action over wage increases.
However, Church authorities have urged teachers not to take part in a planned strike on March 7.
The Age reports both the Catholic and state school systems are planning further industrial action in the coming weeks.
Catholic teachers, whose own push for a pay rise depends on what their public school counterparts get, have decided to strike alongside them.
Catholic students and their families can expect to see thousands of their teachers walking off the job for a rally at Dallas Brooks Hall on March 7, followed by a march leading to State Parliament.
In a letter sent to schools from Catholic Education Office director Stephen Elder, he warns teachers that taking part in industrial action could be illegal and detrimental to students.
But the Victorian Independent Education Union (VIEU) say the "standoff" is a fight for the future of the profession.
"Under the Brumby government we start this year off as the lowest paid teachers in the country and earning some 15 per cent below our NSW counterparts."
SOURCE
Families face industrial chaos in schools (The Age 19/02/08)
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