Striking Nurruby early childhood educators call for urgent solution to a sector in crisis

Early childhood educators at Nurruby childcare facilities across the Narrabri Shire stopped work at 1pm on Wednesday as part of a nationwide strike calling for better pay, conditions, and for the government to ‘put children before profit’.

After many meetings and discussions, Nurruby’s five services; Boggabri Early Learning Facility and OOSH, Nurruby Narrabri, Nurruby OOSH, Nurruby Wee Waa and Wee Waa OOSH decided to join the planned sector strike action on Wednesday.

Nurruby Children’s Services managing director Prue Jamieson sent a letter, dated August 30, to families advising: All services will close at 1pm on Wednesday the 7th of September to join the strike action.

“Fees will not be charged for OOSH after school care and half day fees will be charged for the long day care services.

“We understand that this is an inconvenience to families and that it has been an incredibly challenging and disruptive couple of years.

“However, our sector is in crisis and has had little to no acknowledgement and support.

“Early childhood educators are leaving the sector in record numbers every week, due to burn-out, workload and low pay,” Nurruby Children’s Services managing director Prue Jamieson in a letter to families explaining the services’ call for action.

“Centres across the country are having to limit enrolments, close rooms and cancel staff leave.

“Children and families – including our own – are suffering due to the strain.

The letter stated United Workers Union members were calling for the federal government to urgently outline a plan and timeline to deliver on three key priorities.

“Give us a reason to stay and pay us what we’re worth.

“Value early learning as part of the education system, just as important as schools. Put children before profit.”

“This is our chance to tell the federal government to respect educators and commit to a plan to fix the early education sector.

“We do not take this action lightly but join with our sector to send a message to government.”

Mrs Jamieson told The Courier on Wednesday the support from families had been ‘brilliant and overwhelmingly understanding’, a reflection of how valued early childhood educators are in the community.

“If something doesn’t change, the future is looking grim,” added Mrs Jamieson.