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New laws to ensure psychological health and safety
The responsibility for schools to provide a psychologically safe workplace for employees may expand following the publication of Safe Work Australia’s new model code of practice Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work, as Rachel Drew and Aiyana O’Meara from Holding Redlich write.
Initial teacher education review must prioritise welfare of next generation of teachers
The federal Independent Education Union of Australia (IEUA) welcomes the opportunity to share the classroom insights and experiences of our 75,000 members as part of the Teacher Education Expert Panel consultation process following release of the Panel’s Discussion Paper.
Employers have no plan to fix workload crisis in Queensland Catholic schools
Queensland Catholic school employers have been called out for their failure to address, or even have a plan to fix, the current workload crisis facing the sector’s teachers.
Harmony Week 2023: Everyone Belongs
The importance of inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic backgrounds, is the focus of Harmony Week.
ABC staff to strike for secure, sustainable jobs
Union members at the ABC will take strike action next week as they continue their campaign for sustainable careers and equal pay for journalists in the regions, from diverse backgrounds and women.
Paid parental leave reforms pass Senate
Australian unions have welcomed the Labor federal government’s action to expand access to Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks for workers and allow it to be more flexibly shared between new parents.
Early career teacher secures higher pay and classification with IEU support
The support of our union has helped a graduate teacher member progress through the classification scale and secure higher pay.
Unions win for working women
Last week’s International Working Women’s Day (IWWD) celebrations were an important reminder of the significant changes won by unions to improve the lives of women at work over the last year.
“Embrace Equity” for International Women’s Day
Today, 8 March is International Women’s Day (IWD) – a global day of celebration that recognises the social, economic and political achievements of women.
Formulaic test should be scrapped in face of AI
Education experts are calling for a radical change to the NAPLAN writing test to encourage students to “incorporate, critique, and exceed Artificial Intelligence (AI) generated writing”.
Shortened ITE courses won’t fix a retention problem
Attempts to drastically shorten ITE programs and send people into classrooms before they are prepared raise significant concerns for our union.
Prac supervision rates to rise
IEU and QTU-led negotiations have resulted in a 3.66% increase each year to practicum supervision rates for the next three years.
Close the Gap Day 2023
IEU Branch Secretary, and caretaker of our union’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), Terry Burke said taking action on Close the Gap Day was more important than ever.
School leaders’ health survey reinforces education sector crisis
Our union has called for urgent action to address the health and wellbeing of school leaders, their staff and students in light of the alarming results of the latest Australian Principal Wellbeing survey.
Voice to Parliament a “historic step” towards reconciliation
The IEUA is committed to supporting a ‘Yes’ referendum outcome to enshrine a First Nations Voice in the Australian Constitution.
Ending super argument would benefit all Australians
Enshrining a legal definition of the purpose of superannuation would benefit all Australians after years of early withdrawal policies have seen balances dwindle.
Workcover claim win for injury travelling home
The support of our union has helped an IEU member secure a successful Workcover claim for an injury sustained while travelling home from work.
Once in a generation vote on First Nations Voice to Parliament
Unions are supporting a “yes” vote in the upcoming referendum, describing it as a “once in a generation” opportunity to recognise First Nations people.
Making AI work for the profession
The voice of the profession is central as we navigate the challenges and opportunities of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in our schools.
NAPLAN changes not enough to stop rankings
A new, simplified reporting band structure for NAPLAN test results will be implemented this year but more will be needed to stop the misuse of data in school rankings.
Member voices heard at Early Years Summit
Our union has welcomed our members’ voices being heard at the recent National Early Years Summit in Canberra to develop the Commonwealth Early Years Strategy.
Wages win after members take action
IEU members at Caloundra City Private School (CCPS) have secured enhanced wage increases after voting down an initial employer proposal that would have paid them less.
Save the date and get ready to celebrate the IEU difference
This year the Labour Day/ May Day weekend will be celebrated on 29 April – 1 May across Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Employer making unilateral changes to staff contracts
A Queensland Catholic school employing authority has come to our union’s attention for their repeated attempts to reduce the work hours of part-time continuing staff by issuing new contracts.
New RAP aims to Close the Industrial Gap
Our union’s latest Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) has launched following its official endorsement by Reconciliation Australia.
Wage theft widespread in higher education sector
The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) has warned the recent case of wage theft by the University of Melbourne highlights a widespread problem within Australia’s higher education sector.
Working to keep employee data safe
Our union is working to ensure the protection and security of workers’ data by employers in the wake of increasing data breaches and cyber-attacks in our sector and the Australian community.
New laws create real change for workers
With new industrial laws now in place, IEU members have an opportunity to create change.
Every worker deserves a workplace free from discrimination
Our union welcomes the federal government’s review of discrimination exceptions for faith-based schools.
120,000 teachers to strike in Britain
More than 120,000 teachers across England and Wales were expected to walk off the job this week to demand better pay and working conditions.
Fee-free training scheme should be expanded to private sector
The IEU-QNT has called for the expansion of the fee-free VET scheme to the private sector. IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said expanding the recently announced program outside the TAFE sector would further boost jobs and the economy. “The federal government’s...
IEU member action achieves big wins to working conditions at Australian International Islamic College
Australian International Islamic College (AIIC) members have achieved significant wins to working conditions and pay after running a successful, grass-roots campaign across campuses.
History made with Paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave
New laws to provide 10 days paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave came into effect yesterday for workers in businesses with 15 or more employees after unions campaigned and won the reform for workers leaving a violent relationship.
Union support secures job-share arrangement for member
Our union has helped secure job-share arrangements for a member, reinforcing flexible working arrangements as a good option for employers to retain staff while helping employees achieve a better work/life balance.
Staff fired and re-hired in penalty rate ploy
Around 700 casual workers were fired and promptly re-hired just before Australia Day to avoid penalty rates.
Reducing teacher workloads key to improved student outcomes
IEU-QNT has called for urgent action on teacher workloads following the damning findings of the Productivity Commission’s Review of the National School Reform Agreement.
New job? Make sure your prior qualifications are considered
Starting a new job comes with dozens of small admin tasks that can slip through the cracks but could have lasting implications if not rectified, such as forgetting to let your employer know about any prior qualifications or professional experience.
Rep profile: Pi Lee – St Phillip’s College, Alice Springs
Recently elected to our union’s Branch Executive as well as taking up the IEU Rep position at her school, Pi Lee is no stranger to advocacy, leadership and making a difference.
Accessing natural disaster leave
Where members have safety concerns in the event of natural disaster or emergency, such as severe weather, they should follow the advice of emergency services and advise their workplace accordingly.
History made on IR law
In an historic moment for union members across the country, the Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill is now law
Real change for IEU members is coming
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.
Government follows through on Respect@Work
In passing its Respect@Work Bill into law today (28 November), the federal government has fulfilled its commitment to making workplaces safer for women.
Northern Territory parliament passes anti-discrimination law reform
Religious discrimination exemptions have been removed from the Northern Territory Anti-Discrimination Act after new laws were passed by parliament this week.
Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill scare campaign puts workers last
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.
$13k back pay for wrongly classified teacher
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.
Essington School employer seeks to cut conditions
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.
Camps and co-curricular: don’t risk it
Members are reminded to exercise caution when it comes to participating in school camps, trips and extra-curricular activities.
Outstanding members celebrated for making a difference
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.
Workload issues bigger than lesson banks
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.
Permission To Teach won’t fix teacher supply crisis
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.
Respect program resources launched
The Queensland government has released an updated and upgraded suite of resources for the delivery of respectful relationships education in Queensland schools, which includes a public online hub for students and families.
Strong Libraries = Strong Schools campaign continues
Our union’s Strong Libraries = Strong Schools campaign continues, with members making use of the new Rate your School Library Tool to provide feedback on the state of their school library.
Draft workforce action plan released: time for teachers to have our say
The federal government’s draft National Teacher Workforce Action Plan to address widespread teacher shortages has been released for public consultation.
Pushback on IR changes hypocritical
Big business and employer groups’ pushback on legislative changes designed to improve wages and balance out the bargaining process smacks of hypocrisy following their decade-long failure to protect workers.
Employer putting worker safety at risk
Southern Cross University has been accused of denying the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) its legal right to investigate serious work health and safety issues.
Australian workers dealing with record real wage cuts while being forced to go to work injured
It’s a tough time for Australian workers, with most facing the current cost-of-living crisis with record-breaking real wage cuts and insecure jobs, forcing thousands to work through injuries and illness.
$33k and $25k redundancy payments for kindy staff
The support of our union has helped secure significant redundancy payments for two members employed in the early childhood education sector.
Federal government IR reforms begin repair of a broken system
IEU members have welcomed the federal government’s Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill as an important first step to fairer workplace laws.
Paid parental leave expansion step in right direction
Unions have welcomed the Albanese federal government’s commitment to expand access to Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks for Australian workers.
Historic: paid domestic violence leave for all workers
All workers will have access to 10 days’ paid family and domestic violence (FDV) leave in a historic move that follows an enduring union campaign.
Budget delivers for future teachers, support for current teachers needed now
The IEU has welcomed the federal government’s budget commitment to fund an additional 4,000 education university places as a $159 million dollar long-term investment in quality teaching and quality learning.
IEU member wins inaugural Safety and Wellbeing Award
Nick Byway – a long-time IEU member and Workplace Health and Safety Officer (WHSO) at Mt Maria College Petrie – a has won the inaugural TUH Award for Excellence in Safety and Wellbeing.
Talented writers in our midst
The recipients for our union’s Literary Competition have been announced for 2022, with the judges impressed by the exceptional talent on display.
NT religious schools no longer able to discriminate against LGBTIQ+ staff and students
Religious organisations in the Northern Territory would no longer be permitted to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity under proposed laws introduced into the parliament this week.
ACTU commits to support ‘Yes’ campaign on First Nations Voice
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) Executive has passed a resolution committing to the success of the ‘Yes’ campaign at the upcoming referendum on the question of whether a First Nations Voice should be enshrined in the Australian Constitution.
Phone call ban shows how broken bargaining is
The denial of basic industrial action by the Fair Work Commission (FWC), which was to include a ban on answering the phone, is the latest example of just how broken Australia’s bargaining laws are. In a bizarre attack on attempted industrial action by the National...
Flawed Anglican Hours of Duty rejected
Queensland Anglican members are rejecting the proposed Hours of Duty model due to be rolled out in schools next year, after an employer-run desktop trial revealed significant and widespread issues.
Members tell their stories ahead of World Teachers’ Day
Several long-standing IEU members are featured in this years’ World Teachers’ Day (QLD) campaign, sharing the moments they celebrate and inspire them as teachers.
New laws to prevent sexual harassment
Employers would be required to take “all reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment under new legislation.
“Too old”: members report ageist employers
IEU members are increasingly reporting ageist employer actions including being “pushed” towards retirement.
Wage rise and COLA sets sector benchmark amidst cost-of-living crisis
Staff employed in Presbyterian & Methodist Schools Association (PMSA) schools will receive a significant out of cycle wage increase and a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) as a one-off payment, in a decision commended by our union.
Have you taken periods of leave without pay?
Taking periods of leave without pay or leave on half pay during the year can affect holiday pay over Christmas.
Hours of Duty – does my new timetable meet industrial requirements?
With the new year approaching, new timetables are being organised and set in every school, so it’s important to know your rights when it comes to Hours of Duty.
Queensland students wow judges at art awards
Artistically talented students have impressed the judges at the recent Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) Excellence in Art Design Awards.
Do you teach a Queensland Applied syllabus?
If you teach an Applied Syllabus in Queensland, now is the time to have your say in the Senior Syllabus Review.
Psychological injury cases increasing
Our union has recently supported a number of IEU members with psychological injuries through WorkCover claims, particularly in high-risk educational workplaces.
Super product fails benchmark performance test for second year running
The Australian Catholic Superannuation and Retirement Fund’s (ACSRF) LifetimeOne product has failed against the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) benchmark performance test for a second year in a row.
Discrimination and sexual harassment complaint upheld after IEU action
Our union’s advocacy has resulted in the Queensland Human Rights Commission (QHRC) accepting and upholding an IEU members’ discrimination and sexual harassment complaint, despite it being raised outside the strict 12 month time limitation.
Historic day for workers
The federal government’s Jobs Summit could herald in a new era for workers.
IEU makes $1.3 million difference
Over $1.3 million in payments have been returned to members in the past financial year.
Redundancies by stealth still rampant
Members should be aware of insidious tactics used by some employers who are shamefully giving their staff “redundancies by stealth”.
60 days more work for same pay
A typical Australian woman must work 60 additional days to earn the same as a man.
A vision for equity at work
Taking action on gender inequity could create $111 billion windfall for Australia.
Consensus on skills and training ahead of Jobs Summit
Unions and employers reach consensus on skills and training reform.
IEU members have say in National Teacher Workforce Action Plan
The federal government will deliver an action plan in December 2022, following the recent round table discussion on the national teacher workforce crisis hosted by Federal Education Minister Jason Clare.
Members have say on new national curriculum implementation
IEU members have a place at the table along with other key on the implementation of the new national curriculum within Queensland.
Progress in practicum supervision negotiations
Our union and the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) are continuing to negotiate for new rates of pay and working conditions for practicum supervision and co-ordination.
Members voices heard by Early Childhood Education Minister
Our union continues to ensure our members are advocated for and their professional voices are heard at the highest possible levels.
Northern Territory government exempts teachers from Automatic Mutual Recognition
Members should be aware the NT government has exempted the teaching profession from participating in the Automatic Mutual Recognition (AMR) scheme, meaning teachers are currently unable to use the AMR scheme to work as a teacher in the NT.
Key reforms must be guaranteed to tick off migration plan
The union movement has signalled support for expanded migration if key reforms met.
Secure work should be peak goal of Jobs Summit
Secure work should be the nation’s top macro-economic goal.
Teacher workforce roundtable: Here is how we address teacher shortages
The reasons behind the current teacher and school staff shortages are many and complex – but Education Minister Jason Clare’s planned Teacher Workforce Roundtable is a good start towards the changes needed to tackle the current staffing crisis.
Steiner school secures first collective agreement
The IEU Chapter at the Samford Valley Steiner School Chapter have secured their very first collective agreement with the ongoing support of our union, winning key work conditions and wages protections.
Members win protection of traditional cultural property
IEU members at Hymba Yumba have secured powerful new provisions in their collective agreement, the first of their kind in education, which will contribute towards Closing the Industrial Gap.
Employer threatens staff over refusal to volunteer
University staff threatened over refusal to volunteer for unpaid work.
Nuclear bargaining tactic misused by employers
Employers threatening to terminate collective agreements, force workers onto minimum conditions.
Members’ voices reach Canberra
IEU members’ voices have been heard loud and clear in Canberra following a delegation of members to Parliament House last week.
Pay increases imminent for Queensland Catholic members
Catholic employing authorities have or are communicating to their teaching and non-teaching staff that they will commence paying the full wage increase due to employees under the collective agreement now that the public sector 2022 wage increase is known.
Members recognised for Catholic education contribution
Two IEU-QNT members have been acknowledged for their outstanding contributions within the Queensland Catholic education community at the 2022 Spirit of Catholic Education Awards.
We won! Paid family and domestic violence leave now law
After a decade of unions campaigning for 10 days’ paid family and domestic violence leave, the new federal government has passed legislation to enshrine the right of access for all workers.