All news
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.
Recognising IEU members making a difference
Nominations will soon be open for our union’s annual Member Awards to recognise those members and Chapters who make a difference to our workplaces and profession.
Looking for professional development with a difference?
Applications are now open for full-time or part-time teachers, middle leaders and principals to participate in a short-term virtual exchange paired with teachers from either Alberta (Canada) or Colorado (USA).
Sadly wage theft still on the menu
Despite numerous high-profile cases, egregious examples of wage theft continue to be unearthed.
Catholic members ready to have voice heard
Unsustainable workloads, fair pay and career pathways are the top priorities for Queensland Catholic members as preparations for collective bargaining continue.
Kindy staff face wage freeze, cuts to conditions
A Brisbane-based community kindergarten employer wants to freeze wages, cut redundancy provisions
Super boost for all workers
New financial year brings boost to all workers’ super balances including 300,000 who previously received no super at all.
Union support secures safe work for pregnant members
IEU membership has made the difference in the face of an increasing number of employers who have refused safe work for pregnant employees.
Surgery costs recovered after Workcover decision overturned
IEU support successfully overturns WorkCover decision after it refused to cover the surgery costs of member injured at work.
$110k fines to silence workers
NSW Government seeks to impose $110,000 fines for workers who go on strike directly undermining the right to strike in legislation.
Unions win historic wage increase
A quarter of Australian workers will get a pay rise following a union campaign which lead to today’s Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision to increase the minimum wage.
Workplace health and safety a fundamental right
The right to a safe and healthy work environment is now enshrined int the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO’s) framework of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.
Ongoing prac payment negotiations and ITE concerns
Our union continues to advocate for members in practicum supervision negotiations as well as in the initial teacher education space, where our concerns are growing.
An agenda for the future of teaching
A new government brings new opportunities for real change in the teaching profession and ensuring the voices of teachers are at the heart of those changes, writes IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke.
New Australian Curriculum announced
IEU members should be aware of a number of key changes in the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA)’s recently released new Australian Curriculum.
Nearly half of teachers ready to leave profession
New Monash University research has found that nearly half of teachers are ready to leave the profession due to unsustainable workloads.
Recognising unrecognised work key focus of National School Reform Agreement submission
The workforce crisis in Australian schools should be recognised as a sign that schools need greater staffing and resourcing to deliver high-quality, high-equity education for all students.
Have your say: provisional to full teacher registration
The Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) is undertaking consultation with key stakeholders about its process for transitioning from provisional to full registration policy.
Wage rises can’t wait
Big business is thriving while workers struggle amidst cost of living crisis.
Employers fuel confusion on $1,800 pay rise
Employers are creating confusion around the implementation of the new Experienced Proficient Teacher (EPT) classification.
The school where all employees will be worse off
Carinity Education is forcing a vote on inferior pay and conditions that would leave staff worse off over the next three years.
School officers make a difference
IEU Chapters have marked School Officer Day (Wednesday, 8 June) with celebrations recognising the difference school officers and services staff members make to our schools and to education.
IEU members secure interim wage relief
Our union’s strong collective voice has again made a difference, securing the payment of an interim 2% pay rise for Catholic school staff.
Reconciliation needs a brave approach to First Nations education
This year’s National Reconciliation Week (NRW) theme of Be Brave. Make Change is a timely one, given Australians have elected a new federal government committed to making change for First Nations Peoples.
National Sorry Day is a time for action
Today, 26 May, is National Sorry Day a day to remember and acknowledge the shameful mistreatment of First Nations Peoples and the Stolen Generations who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.
The agenda for working women starts here
The agenda includes four key union campaigns.
Australians have voted for change
A new government brings new opportunities to achieve the real change our members have been calling for, writes IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke.
Mould at work is a health and safety issue
Recent wet weather and unseasonably high levels of humidity across Queensland has led to an increase in the prevalence of mould being reported at school sites.
“Historic”: paid domestic violence leave for 2.5 million workers
In an historic move more than 2.5 million additional workers will receive paid family and domestic violence leave.
Being an LGBTQI+ employee in a faith-based school
For those who identify as LGBTQI+, working in faith-based schools often includes a level of fear or distress.
Super drained to help house prices soar
Workers forced to raid retirement savings to get on property ladder.
Wages frozen: employees told to wait
Queensland Catholic employers seeking to freeze school officer wages despite the deepening cost of living crisis, with teachers likely to follow.
Condition critical: care crisis sees 1000s strike
Over 7000 aged care workers have walked off the job in protest at the current federal government’s inaction to address workload and low wages within the aged care sector.
278% wage win for members
Casual boarding staff in Northern Territory Catholic schools working on public holidays will receive 278% of their ordinary pay rate following IEU action.
Workers lose $10k
The average Australian worker would have earned $10,000 more if real wages had kept pace with productivity since 2013 – the year the Coalition federal government was elected.
Student teachers set for $12k a year
High achieving prospective teachers would get up to $12,000 per year for entering the profession should the ALP win the federal election.
Giving voice to our profession
Teacher professional boards are significant governing bodies for our profession – ones which IEU members fought to establish and then to be part of the representative body.
HELP debt reduction for teachers in very remote areas
Teachers who are working in very remote areas are encouraged to apply for a scheme which reduces Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debts.
Members to make voice heard on future of school libraries
Our union will host the first School Library Forum on Thursday, 28 July to bring together IEU colleagues working as Teacher-Librarians as well as Library Assistants to create a plan for the future of our school libraries.
IEU VET member voices needed for draft self-assurance model design
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has developed a new draft model for self-assurance in the Vocational Education Training (VET) sector and are now seeking feedback from the sector.
NAPLAN 2023 changes explained
With NAPLAN testing being held this week across the country, it is a good time to review the upcoming changes set to be implemented following the 2020 NAPLAN Review and the longstanding advocacy of our union to all levels of government.