Teachers in the Greater Darwin region will be taking strike action this Friday that is expected to impact the functioning of Darwin and Palmerston schools, with the Chief Minister claiming the industrial action is politically motivated.

The Department of Education said in a statement Monday morning that while the industrial action will affect schools, they will remain open, but may have “modified timetables” and combining classes.

“Principals across Darwin and Palmerston will continue to communicate arrangements for their schools with parents and carers,” the government said.

“Every effort will be made to minimise impacts on learning and ensure appropriate supervision is in place for students to ensure their safety and wellbeing. However alternative arrangements during this time, such as modifying timetables and combining classes may be required. Students can anticipate different teachers and staff to supervise them as required.”

Teachers are the latest public servants to voice their displeasure over failed ongoing EBA negotiations. Firefighters and corrections officers have also taken industrial action in recent weeks.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles suggested on radio Monday morning that the teachers’ strike action was somehow connected to the upcoming August 20 Fannie Bay by-election, where Labor is battling against the CLP and independents for the key seat.

“It’s a pretty big jump,” Ms Fyles said on Mix 104.9. “It’s absolutely the right of the government to negotiate and it is the right of the unions to take action, but I was surprised at the jump to take this action. One could question the timing around it.”

Asked to explain, Ms Fyles referenced the by-election.

“Well, it’s interesting that there’s a by-election on Saturday,” she said. “But from my perspective, our teachers, they were some of the highest paid in the country… we are negotiating in good faith around this EBA.

“I’m surprised that we’ve gone from zero to strike action.”

The Australian Education Union NT are currently negotiating a new enterprise agreement for non-contract principals, teachers and assistant teachers.

The government said the strike action will affect urban schools, as well as Humpty Doo and Taminmin.

Parents have been told to contact schools directly for more information about how Friday’s strike action will affect their school.

“We thank the school community for your understanding, and we appreciate this action is part of an EBA negotiation process,” the department said in the statement.

“We value our dedicated educators, and we know how hard they work to provide education to children across the NT.”