All news
Significant risks for staff participating in activities
School camps and excursions are back after a hiatus; however, significant risks still remain for staff participating in extra-curricular activities.
Federal government continues to fail women
This week’s move by the federal government to scrap its controversial plan to allow domestic violence survivors to access their superannuation is yet another reactionary move that reveals just how little it cares for women.
End of JobKeeper causing widespread ELICOS job losses
As the JobKeeper end date of 28 March approaches, members employed in the ELICOS sector are facing further devastation as private English language colleges across Australia close their doors.
Union assistance overturns two rejected WorkCover claims
The expert advice and support of our union has proved critical in having the recent rejection of WorkCover claims overturned for two members. IEU-QNT Industrial Officer Vaishi Raja said the two recent cases were an important reminder of the ways in which our union can...
Member action prevents WorkChoices 2.0
The determination and activism of union members across Australia has forced the federal government to abandon many of the worst aspects of the dangerous IR Omnibus Bill.
Outrageous: teachers’ desks & chairs removed, no consultation
Employers should not be removing teachers’ desks and chairs from classrooms without the appropriate consultation and agreement of teachers and consideration of workplace health and safety risks.
Thousands unite against gendered violence
Thousands of Australian women and allies rallied at nationwide Marches 4 Justice against gendered violence held last week.
Members say No Way! to bullying and violence
Today marks the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA): a day for IEU members, schools, students and the community to say Bullying. No Way!
Government abandons workers on wage theft
The federal government’s controversial Omnibus Industrial Relations (IR) Bill has passed through the Senate with significant amendments.
Members take action to save working conditions
Today, the Senate has started debating the Federal Government’s dangerous and extreme IR omnibus bill.
Harmony Week 2021: Everybody belongs
The importance of inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic backgrounds, is the focus of this year’s Harmony Week.
Close the Gap Day 2021: Raising awareness of CDP
As Close the Gap Day 2021 on 16 March approaches, our union encourages members to contemplate the persisting gap in outcomes between First Nations and non-First Nations Peoples.
When can fixed-term contracts be used in schools?
In schools, many teachers are appointed on fixed-term contracts. However, there are restrictions on when fixed-term contracts can be used.
Your super questions answered
Superannuation is often something workers don’t consider until later in their working lives. But having a good understanding of your super entitlements can make a big difference.
IWD 2021: a reality check on progress
A report released today by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) reinforces the serious issues faced by working women which must be urgently addressed by the federal government.
Extra work requests made of teachers on sick leave
IEU members have reported employers who are placing inappropriate requirements on teachers who are sick.
Last chance to stop WorkChoices 2.0 as IR Bill heads to Senate
The federal government’s proposed IR Omnibus Bill has now passed through the lower house, bringing closer moves to increase job insecurity at a time when working Australians need and deserve certainty.
Sexual harassment must stop
Prevalence of this sexual harassment remains high as members continue to report abuse and harassment suffered at work.
Wins for school officers included in new QLD Lutheran agreement
The latest round of collective bargaining in the Queensland Lutheran sector has resulted in significant wins for school officers.
International Women’s Day 2021 #WomenLead
International Women’s Day (IWD) held each year on 8 March is a day to promote equality for women’s social, political and working rights.
IEU reject changes to mutual recognition for teacher registrations
Our union has rejected the government’s proposed changes to the mutual recognition arrangements for teacher registration.
Internship agreements under negotiation, teachers must supervise interns at all times
Our union is currently in negotiations regarding the agreements governing internship placements in non-government schools.
IEU advocacy leads to QCAA review of new QCE processes
Sustained advocacy from our union has led to the QCAA conducting a review into the new Queensland Certificate of Education processes.
Concerns ACARA Prep-Year 10 review not doing enough to declutter curriculum
Queensland’s representatives on ACARA’s Prep-Year 10 Australian Curriculum Review have raised significant concerns to the QCAA, based on revised drafts of the curriculum.
Supporting First Language Instruction in our schools
Instruction in First Languages offers a unique opportunity to preserve and reinvigorate Australia’s First Languages, many of which are highly endangered, and our union has formally committed to a course of work designed to support First Language programs in non-government schools.
Online learning: call for member experiences
IEU members need to be aware that the generation, storage and use of digital technologies are potentially contentious activities, particularly where images of, or references to, students are involved.
Returning to work? Here’s everything you need to know!
Our union’s guide for members on parental leave provides advice on accessing leave, superannuation, returning to work and more.
Federal government in super denial
The federal government’s reticence to stand by legislated increases to super would upend the promised retirements of a generation.
Federal government inaction on Universal Access condemned
Failure to address the future of Universal Access funding means Australia’s early childhood education sector remains in a tenuous position.
Members unite to stop WorkChoices 2.0
IEU members are calling on Queensland crossbench senators Pauline Hansen and Malcom Roberts to help stop the federal government’s plan to weaken important worker protections and allow employers to cut pay and conditions below the minimum award safety net.
Significant wins in new collective agreement for PMSA members
Queensland members in PMSA schools have voted up a new collective agreement which contain significant wins for all staff members.
Permanency secured for member following decade on fixed-term contracts
Our union has helped a member secure a permanent position in her workplace after being employed for 16 years on rolling contracts.
IEU releases final report from School Officer Joint Working Party Review: development of a new classification structure
The initial phase of the Queensland Catholic School School Officer Joint Working Party (JWP) has concluded, and members can access the final report here.
Federal opposition plan to address insecure work welcomed
This week’s announcement by the federal opposition of a comprehensive plan to address insecure work and casualisation has been welcomed by IEU members and the broader Australian union movement.
The “Omnibus Bill” and what it means for workers
Have you seen the media chatter about the federal government’s IR “Omnibus Bill”? Here’s a quick rundown of the Bill and what it would mean for workers.
Accessing natural disaster, emergency and pandemic leave
Where a natural disaster and/or emergency, and/or further outbreaks of COVID-19 occurs, our union is with our members every step of the way.
Morrison govt IR Bill to cut pay and conditions
An omnibus industrial relations (IR) Bill proposed by the Morrison government will allow employers to cut wages and conditions.
Workplace protections under threat following federal government IR review
The federal government’s plan to change the better off overall test (BOOT) as part of their plans for sweeping industrial relations reform has been condemned by our union.
IEU Chapter rallies in support of staff member made redundant
Grassroots collective power was out in full force recently, as an IEU School Chapter rallied around a support staff member being made redundant; the staff member ended up successfully being redeployed to another position as well as receiving full redundancy...
QLD Lutheran members show collective action works
Employees in QLD Lutheran schools have agreed to a new collective agreement with enhanced working conditions.
Catholic employer backpay failure leads to federal court action
Our union has today (3 December 2020) taken the extraordinary step of taking the Toowoomba Catholic Education Office and Downlands College to the Federal Court following their respective failures as employers to provide backpay to a number of employees
MPs on 15% super want to break election promise
A growing number of Liberal MPs are publicly calling for promised increases to super to be abandoned, while continuing to pocket 15.4% super in their own taxpayer-funded salaries.
Australia’s super system a world leader that must be protected
Australia’s retirement system has also once again ranked highly in the annual global index, finishing 2020 as the world’s fourth best.
The superannuation affordability lie
As workers await their legislated 0.5% rise in superannuation next year, some employers and government MPs are attempting to cancel the ‘unaffordable’ increase.
Building capacities and capabilities: the role of learning support teachers
Teachers and school officers who specialise in supporting inclusive education for students with additional learning needs have key roles across all sectors of the Australian education system. IE journalist Jessica Willis talks to two IEU members and learning support teachers about what their role is and how they support school communities.
We’ve waited 30 years for 12% super, it’s time to raise the rate
While Australia is in the grips of its first recession in 30 years due to COVID-19, many are arguing a planned increase of the super guarantee to 12% is unaffordable.
Urgent action needed to eliminate violence and harassment at work
Australian federal government still failing to take the real steps to end violence and harassment at work.
Queensland Senior Assessment Processes review needed
Our union and the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) are calling for the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) to formally review the new Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) senior assessment processes and procedures.
New maths inclusivity approaches for students with Down Syndrome
Research has uncovered key approaches teachers can use to be more inclusive in their classrooms when teaching mathematics to students with Down Syndrome.
Study supports positive attitude to maths/science and academic achievement link
New research conducted by academics from Western Sydney University suggests there is a link between students having a positive attitude towards mathematics and science and their academic success in these subjects.
What counts is hard to count when it comes to raising teacher status
Why the teaching profession is not better respected is confronted in a new book by Professor John Buchanan (University of Technology Sydney) which confirms that our union’s long-standing Teaching: It’s Our Profession campaign remains relevant and essential.
Uluru Statement from the Heart calls for urgent change
Our union remains committed to the establishment of a First Nations Voice to Parliament, as outlined in the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Informal ‘chats’ used to cut staff hours in breach of collective agreement
School officer members at a Queensland Catholic school were recently told through informal, one-on-one ‘chats’ that there would be a major restructure to their working hours in 2021 due to funding changes.
The hidden cost of working from home
While working from home aided the pandemic health response, workers suffered a number of hidden costs – according to the Working from Home Report released by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
Member fights unnecessary fixed-term contract
An IEU member in a Queensland Catholic School is fighting for a full-time permanent position, after working the same hours in the same role on a fixed-term contract for a number of years.
Members unite against violence
On 25 November every year, the world pauses to reflect on the endemic levels of violence committed against women and girls. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is an opportunity to pave the way towards change by uniting against violence.
IEU recovers $3.9m in underpayments and compensation for members
In just the last two years alone, our union has recovered more than $3.9m in underpayments, allowances and compensation for members through the work of our expert industrial team and IEU organisers.
Recognition for First Nations member and activist
As part of NAIDOC Week 2020 celebrations, our union recognises the incredible work of Far North Queensland IEU member and 2020 Thersa Nunn First Nations Member Award recipient, Patricia ‘Patsy’ Lockington.
Rejection of First Nations flags in federal parliament condemned
The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) condemns the federal government’s shameful rejection yesterday (10 November 2020) to fly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags alongside the Australian national flag in Federal Parliament.
Member contributions recognised after unprecedented year
The annual IEU-QNT Union Excellence Awards recognise the contributions of our most active members and are of particular significance in 2020 given the professional and industrial challenges members have faced. This year, the Awards were announced at our COVID-19 safe videoconference AGM on Friday, 23 November 2020.
Meet our members who are TeachX Award finalists
Four IEU-QNT members have been acknowledged for their inspiring contributions to the Queensland education community by being nominated as finalists in this year’s TeachX Awards.
IEU recovers $35k in back-pay for member
An IEU teacher member has received $35k in back-pay after seeking our union’s support regarding a reclassification issue.
Study puts teacher pay into perspective
New research shows teachers’ salaries have been slipping behind that of other professionals for 30 years, with female and male teachers earning just 93% and 84% of average professional salaries, respectively.
Bullying and harassment by students and parents remains significant problem
Teacher-targeted bullying by students and parents remains a significant problem in Australian schools.
Federal government fails early childhood sector again
The current federal government has failed early childhood education students and sector employees alike leaving Universal Access funding completely out of the recent budget.
183 deaths at work in 2019, first increase in more than a decade
The rate of workplace deaths has increased for the first time since 2007, according to recently released data from Safe Work Australia, as the federal government continues to drag its feet on work health and safety reform.
Gendered Violence: extending the conversation about harmful behaviour at work
Bullying, harassment and violence have no place at work - yet, sadly, evidence shows these behaviours remain a problem in Australian workplaces. While there are legislative and regulatory frameworks in place that attempt to stamp out these behaviours, research from...
Online support network for early career teachers
Our union’s private Facebook group for early career teacher members provides meaningful opportunities for discussion as well as access to member-only resources, professional development (PD) invites, mentoring connections and advice from our experts.
For the Workers campaign recognises real heroes of the COVID-19 crisis
A new Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) campaign is calling on the federal government to ensure the real heroes of the COVID-19 crisis – workers – are recognised and protected.
Union assistance critical to overturning WorkCover claim rejection
The advice and support of our union has proved critical in having a member’s WorkCover claim rejection overturned.
Competition recognises next generation of writers
The winners of this year’s IEUA-QNT and ETAQ Literary Competition have been announced.
Students create ‘Perfect Places’ for Excellence in Art Design Awards
Students from across Queensland and the Northern Territory have wowed judges after creating artworks reflecting on their ‘Perfect Places’ for our IEU-QNT’s annual Excellence in Art Design Awards.
Younger workers to suffer super burden for years to come
Nearly 600,000 workers aged under 35 have drained their super balance to zero under the federal government’s controversial early access scheme.
Employer discriminates against member vulnerable to COVID-19
In a recent case, an IEUA-QNT member was considered a vulnerable person because of their underlying chronic condition and accordingly requested to work from home in line with government public health directives.
Combating COVID-19: a collective response
The Queensland and the Northern Territory have so far been fortunate to be spared the devastating impacts of a second wave of COVID-19.
The case for greater protection of permanent jobs
With less than half of Australia’s 12.5 million workers employed in a permanent, full-time job with leave entitlements, the need to address insecure work has never been greater.
Review reinforces need for permanent ECE funding
Members across the Early Childhood Education sector have renewed their campaign to Fund Our Future following the public release of the Universal Access National Partnership (UANP) final review report.
Building your collegial community
IEU member and Gold Coast teacher Jessica Prouten provides her top tips for building your professional community – a critical foundation as you begin your teaching career.
No more employer excuses – quality PD should be more accessible than ever
The future of professional development (PD) opportunities has never been as accessible for school officers and services staff, with COVID-19 forcing schools to accept and adapt to online training and learning technology.
Importance of Job Share: Navigating flexible work arrangements
The COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced that flexible working arrangements are more important than ever.
Shameful act: long-term employee given redundancy by stealth
Despite the professionalism and dedication our members continue to demonstrate through their work, our union continues to see instances of employers treating their staff unfairly.
Playing IT Safe: online safety for young children
A new early learning initiative to teach young children about cyber safety and digital technology use has launched.
How IEU members make a difference
A union is fundamentally a place of hope and IEU members are always fighting to make a difference in their workplaces and communities.
Government delay puts retirement futures at risk
The federal government’s superannuation freeze has cost workers thousands in retirement savings and failed to stimulate wage growth, according to a new report.
Retirement nightmare looming for many Australian women
The rate of Australian women facing financial crisis and poverty as they approach retirement is on the rise due to a failing superannuation system that leaves a majority of women with 47% less superannuation than men.
The union difference for school support staff means thousands more
School support staff employed in workplaces with a union-negotiated collective agreement earn thousands more than their peers in workplaces covered by Modern Awards, highlighting the difference union makes for workers.
Employer attacks on bargaining and flatlining wages no coincidence
The broken collective bargaining system and its laws that allow employers to terminate agreements far too easily have contributed to declining wages and conditions.
The numbers don’t lie: join a union for better pay
The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data, combined with recent wage outcomes in our sector, provide a clear and compelling message – join your union for better pay.