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Transitioning to retirement
Retirement from the workforce marks an exciting and significant milestone in a worker’s lifetime, and our union is here to support members through the process.
“Insulting” pay offer to NSW teachers slammed
2.5% wage offer slammed by public sector and non-govt sector unions
Applications for the $5000 TUH Future of Teaching Bursary are open
The TUH Bursary was designed with a clear purpose: to empower and support educators.
Exclusive teacher exchange opportunities to Alberta, Canada on offer
IEU members employed in Brisbane, Cairns and Toowoomba Catholic schools or Queensland Anglican schools are eligible to participate in a fortnight-long exchange to Alberta, Canada.
Initial Teacher Education report misses the mark
Recommendations miss the mark on addressing problems with Initial Teacher Education.
NSRA review an opportunity for profession
Renewal of National School Reform Agreement must consider resourcing excessive workloads.
Traffic lights signal ‘Stop-Go’ on AI
Our union and the Queensland Teachers’ Union have jointly published materials to assist members in using artificial intelligence.
Chapter solidarity secures equal pay increases for all staff
IEU Chapters have seen off an employer plan to only pay wage increases to some staff.
Death of delivery rider reflective of industry in need of reform
The tragic death of a food delivery rider is a stark reminder of the need to improve safety.
Early childhood education members to have say through NQF review
IEU members employed in early childhood education centres are encouraged to have their say as part of the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority’s (ACECQA) review of staffing and qualification regulations under the National Quality Framework (NQF)....
What to do with a 4-cent cheque?
Cheque payments of 4 cents for royalty rights abound and coupled with the threat of jobs losses to the use of artificial intelligence (AI), members of the Screen Actors Guild have moved to strike action.
Systemic underpayment rife in universities
An $8 million underpayment of University of Wollongong (UOW) staff reflects a systemic culture of wage theft in the sector.
IEU support wins permanent jobs
The intervention of our union has led to several IEU members being converted from fixed-term to continuing employment status.
Islamic College Brisbane wins paid pandemic leave
IEU members employed at the Islamic College of Brisbane have secured 20 days of paid pandemic leave in their new collective agreement.
IEU joins coalition supporting the Voice
Our union has joined a coalition of 70 organisations supporting a Voice to Parliament for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Traffic lights signal ‘Stop-Go’ on AI
Our union and the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) have jointly developed an innovative traffic light rating system and set of resources to guide teachers’ use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
Lodging your tax return made easy
Teaching and educational support staff incur many expenses which can be claimed as a deduction, but these can be tricky to navigate.
Unions welcome new Bill for fairer workplaces
This week, the federal government passed the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting worker entitlements) Bill 2023 in parliament.
Protected Action Ballot Orders approved in Catholic schools
A series of union applications for Protected Action Ballot Orders (PABO) filed with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) have now been issued by the Fair Work Commission.
Employers say take it or leave it as they fail to tackle teacher burnout
Queensland Catholic school employers have given employees a ‘take it or leave it’ position regarding the current negotiations for a replacement collective agreement.
Corporate profits driving inflation
The OECD has found corporate profits have contributed far more to Australia’s drive in inflation than wage growth.
IEU support makes the difference in return to work
Our union’s advocacy has led to an employer quickly withdrawing their direction for an IEU member to undergo an independent medical examination (IME) as part of their return to work.
Historic increase to minimum wage celebrated
Australian union members have welcomed the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) decision to support vulnerable workers by granting a record increase to the minimum wage.
Crackdown on exploitation of migrant workers
New laws announced by the federal government will make it a criminal offence to exploit migrant workers.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education: new resources for members
Our union and the Queensland Teachers’ Union (QTU) have published a set of documents to advise members on using artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.
IEU front and centre of early years strategy development
Our union continues to ensure members’ voices are heard in developing the Commonwealth ECE Strategy.
New Middle Leader professional standard must recognise all roles
Our union is advocating for a focus on all Middle Leader (ML) roles, and not just curriculum leaders, as part of developing a new ML professional standard.
IEU heard on Non-State Schools Accreditation Framework review
Our union has provided a submission to the current independent review of the Queensland Non-State Schools Accreditation Framework.
Queensland Catholic employers attack critical employee protection
Queensland Catholic school employers are using the current collective bargaining negotiations to directly attack a critical employee working right held for close to 30 years.
Quality mentoring makes a difference
Quality mentoring has proven to be highly beneficial to early career teachers, reducing rates of stress and burnout.
NAIDOC Week 2023: For our Elders
NAIDOC Week 2023 will be held between Sunday, 2 July and Sunday, 9 July.
New payday rule to crack down on billions in unpaid super
The Federal Government has announced that employers will pay superannuation on the same day as wages, a move welcomed by our union.
National Reconciliation Week 2023: Be a Voice for Generations
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is occurs every year between 27 May and 3 June, dates which mark historically significant milestones for First Nations People and Australia’s reconciliation journey: the 1967 referendum and the historic Mabo decision.
Federal budget begins long-term repair of broken education system
The 2023-2024 federal budget announced overnight is a positive start to beginning the long-term repair of a broken education system in Australia after a decade of neglect by the previous coalition government.
Members’ voices heard on NT Education Legislation Amendment Bill
Our union has been participating in ongoing consultation regarding a rewrite of the Northern Territory (NT) government’s Education Legislation.
McDonald’s franchisee fined $275,000 for union busting
A McDonald’s franchisee in Murray Bridge, South Australia, has paid a fine of $275,000 after admitting to unlawfully discouraging staff from joining their union over a five-year period.
IEU unites against discrimination for IDAHOBIT
The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) will be held on 17 May 2023.
IEU to advise federal government on school funding reforms
The federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare, has announced the members of the National School Reform Agreement (NSRA) Ministerial Reference Group which will include the IEU.
QuEST online provides new PD opportunities for members
IEU-QNT members now have access to a suite of new professional development (PD) opportunities through the QuEST platform, expanding the range of member-exclusive benefits.
Pandemic leave win in Mackay
Members at Mackay Christian College are the first single-site school in the region to secure a paid pandemic leave entitlement in their new collective agreement.
Every worker deserves to make it home
On 28 April every year, we remember those who have been killed or injured at work.
Unions to support YES campaign on Labour Day/May Day
Labour Day/May Day celebrations to include focus on a successful Voice to Parliament referendum.
45% of gig workers earn less than minimum wage
Almost half Australia’s transport gig economy workers earn less than minimum wage despite working long hours in unsafe conditions.
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.