Friday, the end of a long, hard working-week. People going for a much-needed drink, sharing family time but.not for almost 200 SSTUWA union members, who spent the early part of their evening in the Perth CBD rallying against the effects of the half-cohort.

Members came from all areas, primary schools, high schools and TAFE to support those who will be without a job next year unless the government and DET change their policy on managing this situation.

They listened to a number of speakers, petitions were signed and handed in to Minister Constable’s office and, for about 30 minutes, chanting boomed along St Georges Tce, as union members lined up with banners to draw attention of the community to this issue.

Speakers included:

• President Anne Gisborne, who outlined the union’s position,
• Roger Cook, Deputy Leader ALP, who addressed the crowd and committed ongoing support from the ALP in demanding retention of the 2009 staffing levels,
• Fixed-term teacher members Tracey Priest and Ashley Bennett (from Clarkson SHS), provided some insight into personal circumstances and frustrations. They put clear and cogent arguments up about curriculum provision, special programs and staff turnover in difficult school for retaining the 2009 staffing levels.

Tracey urged members to “…give it to the pollies”!

Robert Cook gave a passionate speech, saying that the job losses are due to “…bloody-minded accounting done by a minister who is MIA.”

Anne Gisborne said:

“This matter has not been resolved to the union’s satisfaction. Again, all members are requested to step up and contact their local MP on this issue. Use the supports in the ‘HALF COHORT CAMPAIGN’ area on the union’s website.

“I met with the WACSSO State Executive on Sunday morning. I was advised that WACSSO have been active on this issue and will continue to use their forces, particularly in the political domain, to support the union’s position on this matter.”

Mario Schmidt, union organiser and a major instigator of the rally, summarised the key reasons for the event, as well as some results:

• There was significant lobbying and campaigning this year on half cohort – members met with up to a dozen key MPs throughout this year and there have been questions raised in parliament and media coverage of the issue
• The issue was that we needed something to create further momentum on the issue and this was supported by State council delegates
• Motivation of rally was to attract media coverage, give a sense of power for our members affected and embarrass this government
• With the help of members, organisers contacted hundreds of members in metro area to encourage them to go along – thanks to Paul Zampogna, Rahav Poked, Denise Hodson, Judy Harrison-Ellis, Sally Dennis, Elena Rossi for coming in to call fellow members.
• Numbers were around 200 as stated in the West Australian and judging by petition signatures
• We were expecting a little more but there were many members who turned up after 5pm due to traffic
• We knew this venue and time wasn’t easy – ambitious plan
• Our members who spoke Ashley Bennett and Tracey Priest were fantastic – great message and engaging
• The display of our members lined up on St Georges terrace was impressive
• Delegation of members handed Liz Constable petition, with many more flowing in
• Members joined Friday crowds at Melbourne hotel to celebrate
• If we’re serious about this issue this rally won’t be the last thing we do – should consider email campaign to key pollies, further writing to editor.