June 11: Full Day Strike Action
On Thursday 11 June, educators across the ACT took a full-day stop-work action for the first time in more than 15 years.
No educator makes that decision lightly.
Teachers and school assistants do not enter this profession to disrupt learning. They enter it because they believe in the power of public education to change lives. They enter it because they care deeply about children, about their communities, and about giving every student the opportunities they deserve.
Across the ACT, educators are being stretched beyond breaking point. Staff shortages are leaving classes without teachers. Classes are routinely split, combined, or cancelled because our schools are not properly staffed. Student learning suffers as educators manage class groups of 40 or more students at a time.
No parent would look at that situation and think it is acceptable. No educator thinks it is sustainable.
That is exactly why educators are taking action now.
Check out some of the photos from the rally below!
June 11 Rally FAQs
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The rally will begin at 10:00am on Thursday 11 June at Civic Square (180 London Circuit, Canberra City).
We encourage members to arrive a little early so we can get everyone assembled before proceedings begin.
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The rally will feature:
Speeches from AEU members and supporters
Opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the ACT
Plenty of energy, solidarity and public support (see below for some of our chants!)
To conclude the rally, we will be marching from Civic Square to Glebe Park.
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Yes!
To conclude the rally, we will be marching from Civic Square to Glebe Park. See a map of our marching route below - the march will end at the Bunda St entrance to Glebe Park.
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Given the expected size of the rally, parking will be limited and some road closures may be in place.
We strongly encourage members to use public transport where possible. Civic Square is just a short walk from:
Alinga Street Light Rail Stop
Civic Bus Interchange
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Wear your AEU shirt or any red clothing. We want to create a sea of red that shows the strength and unity of public education workers across the ACT.
Don't forget comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a water bottle.
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The rally is expected to conclude by lunchtime.
After the rally, we encourage members to stay visible by heading into the city for lunch wearing their AEU shirts and campaign gear. Every conversation and every visible red shirt helps show the community the strength of our campaign and our commitment to public education.
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Absolutely! If you're bringing children, we encourage you to:
Dress them in red.
Write your phone number on their arm or a wristband.
Make sure they know where the designated contact points are if they become separated from you (see map).
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If a child becomes separated from their parent or guardian, they should go to one of the designated marquee areas (see map).
Our event volunteers will help reunite them with their family as quickly as possible.
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Students are welcome to attend the rally, provided they do so with the knowledge and support of their parent or guardian. The rally is a public event and we know many students want to stand alongside their teachers and school staff in support of public education.
We encourage students and community members who join us to wear red.
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The rally will proceed in wet weather unless conditions become unsafe.
Please bring a raincoat, umbrella or other wet-weather gear if rain is forecast. A limited number of ponchos will be available.
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Yes! We encourage members to bring signs, banners and flags that support our campaign for better public schools and better conditions for educators.
Please ensure any signs are safe to carry and do not contain offensive or discriminatory language.
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No registration is required. Just turn up, wear red and bring your colleagues, friends and family.
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Trained first aid officers will be available throughout the event.
First aid and assistance can be accessed at the designated marquee areas (see map), which will also serve as contact points for lost children.
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The nearest public toilets to Civic Square are:
Corner of Alinga St & Mort St
Corner of Bunda St & Mort St
Glebe Park
the Canberra Centre
A map showing these sites is available here.
Marching Route
Chants
Call: When our schools are under attack, what do we do?
Response: Stand up, fight back!
Call: What do we want?
Response: A fair agreement!
Call: When do we want it?
Response: Now!
Struggle - fight - teachers unite!
The schools - united - will never be defeated!
Hey hey LSAs, we have got your back today!
Barr Barr black sheep, you are such a fool, yes sir, yes sir, fund our schools
Hey hey - ho ho - underfunding has got to go!
Call: 1, 2, 3, 4
Response: Schools are what we’re fighting for!
Call: 4, 3, 2, 1
Response: We won’t stop until we’ve won!