THE Department of Education will take legal action today to try to force teachers back to work if they go ahead with planned stoppages on Thursday.

The acting director-general of education, Peter Riordan, said the department would seek a recommendation in the Industrial Relations Commission to stop a statewide teacher strike.

''There is no justification for industrial action'' ... NSW Education minister Adrian Piccoli. Credit:Nick Moir

The NSW Education Minister, Adrian Piccoli, said he was disappointed teachers were taking industrial action before salary negotiations for a new agreement had begun.

''We are taking action on behalf of parents who want to see their kids going to school,'' he said. ''There is no justification for industrial action.''