| What: | Tasmanian school cleaners, grounds staff and kitchen assistants will be rallying outside Premier Rockliff’s office and Parliament House, Hobart for improved working conditions and workloads |
| When: | Wednesday, 17 September from 11:30am (Devonport) & 12:30pm (Parliament House) – both one hour long. |
| Where: | 43 Best Street, Devonport
Parliament House, Hobart |
| Who: | Amy Brumby, Tasmania Coordinator, United Workers Union |
They’re the first in, last out at our state’s schools every day, but today they’re rallying outside Parliament and Premier Rockliff’s office to highlight critical understaffing and resource constraints that have remained unchanged for nearly three decades.
The action involves school cleaners, grounds staff, and kitchen assistants who maintain the daily operations that keep Tasmania’s schools safe, clean, and functional for students and staff.
The importance of the work of Education Facilities Attendants (EFAs) is witnessed by major schools across Tasmania closing their doors because of an inability to maintain safety and services for students during the notified stop-work action.
Since 1997, demands on EFAs have dramatically increased while staffing levels remain frozen. Kitchen staff now prepare for up to 36 cooking classes per week – more than triple the 10 classes managed in 1997 – using the same staffing hours allocated nearly 30 years ago.
“Our schools have completely transformed since 1997, with new facilities, expanded programs, and modern educational approaches, but investment in the people who make it all possible has been forgotten,” said John Webb, an EFA based in Bothwell.
“Members are rallying today to call for the immediate investment in EFA roles to match the reality of modern school operations and ensure student safety and educational standards can be maintained,” said Amy Brumby, Tasmania Coordinator, United Workers Union.
“After 28 years of no investment in these essential roles, our EFAs are saying enough is enough. Schools cannot operate without them, and they deserve resources that reflect their vital contribution to education.”