Due to unsafe and dangerous union work bans by school cleaners, the Principal and Department of Education have been obligated to close Ulverstone Secondary College due to health and safety concerns.
This is a disgraceful escalation of industrial action targeted at disrupting student learning and families.
Temporary cleaners will be used to complete cleaning duties to ensure the school remains a safe environment for students and staff. It is understood the school will be in a position to reopen tomorrow.
Should further work bans lead to the closure of this school or any other school, cleaners refusing to undertake their duties will be stood down, without pay.
This latest union led escalation of work bans reinforces the decision by Government to have wage negotiations arbitrated by the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.
While the Government has endeavoured to negotiate with union leaders in good faith, it is clear their priorities remain stunts and disrupting everyday Tasmanians.