South Australian teachers have vowed to continue industrial action, despite state government moves to send their wages and conditions dispute to the employment tribunal.
The government has lodged an application for a conciliation hearing, but the Australian Education Union has accused it of 'strong arm tactics' in abruptly ending negotiations.
"We have been working hard with the government negotiators and doing all we could so that an improved offer could be provided to members as soon as possible," AEU state president Howard Spreadbury said.
Mr Spreadbury said a ballot among teachers had overwhelmingly supported the introduction of rolling stoppages during the final three weeks of the current school term.
The state government has offered teachers a 2.35 per cent pay increase in each year over the life of a new enterprise agreement.
As well as the pay increase, the government has put $42 million on the table over four years for additional support for schools with complex needs and $13 million to create new positions for highly-accomplished and lead teachers.
But the union says the proposed agreement does not do enough to address its concerns over working conditions.
A first directions hearing has been scheduled in the employment tribunal on Thursday.
Australian Associated Press
