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18 September 2009
EB – Interim Wage Rise decision released by QIRC
Our application for an interim salary increase was heard before the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) on Monday, 7 September 2009. On the afternoon of Wednesday 16 September the QIRC released its decision.
The Commission has determined to award an increase of 4 per cent per annum backdated to 1 July 2009. The decision is a disgrace and a direct result of the state government’s position that teachers were not worth any more than 4 per cent.
More information on the decision and the fallout from it is available from the Members’ Newsflash sent yesterday.
This decision makes it more important than ever that you send a message to your local state MP and, if you have time, to the Premier and Treasurer. Politicians take notice of messages from individual citizens, particularly those who live and vote in their electorate.
Even though the matter of salaries and other conditions has been referred to the QIRC for arbitration, Premier Anna Bligh and her government can resolve the issue at any time by making a decent offer on pay and other issues to teachers and principals.
For state MPs’ details, go to the QTU website (www.qtu.asn.au/mp). This can be accessed under “Useful Information” and click on “Contact Queensland MPs”).
QTU Principals Forum
Principals again met face to face with the Director-General of the Department of Education and Training, Julie Grantham at the Principals Forum on 15 September, to highlight issues that are making the job of principal tougher than ever before.
Key issues discussed at the forum included NAPLAN, public comment by principals, Districts/regions, over reaction to issues such as bullying, principal leadership and beyond 2010 – future directions.
The forum provided an opportunity for principals to share information, ideas and concerns openly, with the Director-General.
Low SES National Partnership Agreements
Despite the lack of early consultation by the department, the QTU is now involved in the implementation process and will endeavour to ensure that appropriate parameters are put in place in order to protect the working conditions and entitlements of members.
The QTU is now involved in continuing consultation through participation in the Low SES NPA HR Working Party. There are three QTU-appointed representatives on this working party, including a Union Representative from a low SES NPA school. Additional school focused perspective is provided by the inclusion of two NPS principals who are also QTU members.
This working party will oversee the development and implementation of all strategies affecting the working conditions of our members’, including the proposed Ideas Bank.
The QTU has also developed a range of resources for all members, these include:
- A section on the QTU website which includesfrequently asked questions;
- A “Low SES Schools NPA Kit” that will be distributed in hard copy to the principal, deputies, Union Reps and other members in low SES schools
- A dedicated email address that the QTU has set up for members to send their questions to npaquery@qtu.asn.au
- Queensland Teachers Assist Desk – 1300 11 7823
Please click on this link to the Union Reps Update on National Partnership Agreements. This outlines the lack of consultation by the department, as well as other issues associated with the three NPAs.
The QTU will continue to review the implementation of the NPAs and provide further updates to members as issues arise.
Six Year Housing Rule
Teacher housing at subsidised rental rates is provided by the Department of Education for occupation by teachers on appointment or transfer across rural and remote centres.
There are consultative and decision making structures in place at a local, regional and state level which involve the Union and tenants.
The current “Employment Housing Management Guidelines and Procedures” has a clause that states:
24.2 (c ) The term of the tenancy is not expected to exceed six years. If the occupant is still occupying a department dwelling after this time, the occupant may be asked to show cause why the tenancy should not be terminated on receipt of six months’ notice
To date this clause has rarely been invoked.
The issue and application of the six year rule has arisen in Weipa this year. Arising out of the Weipa dispute the department has drafted a revised policy which clarifies this rule and its application.
The revised policy proposes a plan to impose a statewide blanket six year rule which does not take into account the local circumstances e.g. the absence of a viable rental market. The bureaucratic process associated with this proposed six year rule is also unacceptable. It has the potential to re-ignite significant industrial action by QTU members.
Discussions between the QTU and DET have resulted in the department committing to review the draft policy and committing to ongoing consultation before the policy is finalised
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