Every teacher is different. Some go the extra mile for students. Others give no more than they must. Some passionately improve their teaching. Others are nothing more than well-paid babysitters. Despite these differences all teachers haveone thing in common. They have 12 weeks of holidays every year. It’s a very attractive gig – especially for teachers who are also parents.
Parents who work in other industries must negotiate flexible work arrangements, rely on their own parents for childcare, or succumb to the annual leave lottery. Many others fork out big bucks for holiday programs. None of this for parents who teach. The 12-week holiday is a boon.
Given 75% of Australia’s teachers are female, this is a serious case of inequality between working mothers. Yet there’s not a word from any women’s rights movements.
And if holiday benefits for teaching mums weren’t enough, there’s also a long list of leave entitlements, benefits and other nicely packaged union gifts courtesy of tax paying mothers in other industries.
Where are the statistics from the Australian Education Union on the number of mothers who reap these benefits? Whack the unions with a demand for disclosure, Prime Minister Morrison!
As for you, Mr Shorten. Stop with the ‘fair go’ nonsense! You’re supposed to be an advocate for all working families.
As the Federal election looms, mothers who teach will win, regardless of how the votes fall. For the rest of Australia’s working mothers – it’s time to wake up. You deserve better.
Copyright © 2019 Cheryl Lacey All rights reserved.
Parent, educationist and agitating advocate for change in Australian education.
By raising the bar we can challenge and overcome any global challenges facing Australia and Australians.
Click here to learn how we can work together or contact me at cheryl@cheryllacey.com.
