A Gold Coast teacher has sparked fury after a video surfaced showing them mocking striking Queensland educators. The footage, which has gone viral, shows the teacher laughing while holding a sign that reads: "I don’t strike, I teach."
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from unions, with many accusing the teacher of undermining the collective action of their peers. Queensland Teachers' Union president Cresta Richardson condemned the behaviour, stating: "This is a slap in the face to every educator fighting for better conditions."
Backlash from Parents and Colleagues
Parents have also expressed outrage, with some calling the video "tone-deaf" given the ongoing struggles in the education sector. One parent commented: "Teachers are striking for a reason – this kind of attitude helps no one."
Meanwhile, colleagues of the teacher have distanced themselves, with several taking to social media to voice their disappointment. "We stand united in our fight for fair pay and resources," one educator wrote.
What’s Behind the Strike?
The Queensland teacher strike, which took place last week, was organised to demand better wages, smaller class sizes, and improved working conditions. Thousands of educators walked off the job, causing widespread disruption across the state.
Despite the backlash, the Gold Coast teacher has yet to publicly address the controversy. The school where they are employed has also remained silent on the matter.
As tensions rise, the video continues to circulate online, fuelling debates about solidarity and professionalism in the teaching community.
