Australian workers can have hope – hope that the decade of policies that have suppressed wages is over thanks to the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill.

Hope that this legislation delivers more secure jobs and better pay and make work fairer for women.

In passing its Respect@Work Bill into law today (28 November), the federal government has fulfilled its commitment to making workplaces safer for women.

Religious discrimination exemptions have been removed from the Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Act after new laws were passed by parliament this week.

The federal government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill would change the working lives of many Australians – making collective bargaining fairer and restoring balance to the process – the exact reason why so many employers are fighting against the Bill.

An IEU member has secured more than $13,000 in back pay and is now correctly classified after our union’s intervention with the employer.

A plan for “indefinite” non-contact duties and no provision for release time used for planning, preparation and correction (PPCT) are just wish-list items the employer at The Essington School is seeking during collective bargaining negotiations.

Members are reminded to exercise caution when it comes to participating in school camps, trips and extra-curricular activities.

Our union’s annual Member Awards were presented to recipients at the 2022 IEU-QNT AGM, recognising the contributions of some of our most outstanding activists.

Recently, lesson banks have been trending in the media as a solution to teachers’ excessive workloads, stress and burnout and while helpful for many, IEU members know they aren’t the solution the ongoing workload crisis plaguing our profession.

Our union remains concerned about the increased use of Permission To Teach in schools as a stop gap for teacher shortages, particularly in regional and rural areas.