Tas strike to hit school children

Strike action planned by Tasmania's public sector has prompted the state government to tell school children to stay home for a day.

Thursday's stop-work plans mean the government cannot guarantee sufficient staff at its schools, Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said.

"As we are not prepared to compromise student safety, it is with great regret that the government is forced to declare a student free day in all public schools across the state this Thursday," Mr Rockcliff said in a statement.

The union-driven action comes after the Liberal government's plan to cut public sector jobs in a move it says will help balance the state's finances.

The government had earlier proposed a public sector wage freeze, but parliament refused the measure.

The unions' alternate plan to sacrifice a pay increment did not find favour with the government and instead they plan to strike.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein said striking workers will not be paid for the time they take off.

"Thursday's stop work meetings will have an impact on workplaces and families who have to keep their children home from school," Mr Gutwein said.

The November 27 industrial action will involve teachers, health workers and other public servants.