11 June 2009

The QTU would like to thank principal members for their commitment and efforts in supporting the EB campaign for improved salaries for Queensland teachers and administrators.

The Union appreciates the often difficult position school leaders find themselves in during periods of industrial action. The actions of the department during the most recent strike, when its directions were in contradiction to what many principals felt was best for their school, resulted in many principals feeling pressurised.

You would be aware that, given the lack of progress in EB negotiations, the Union is currently conducting a ballot for further industrial action. Members are being asked to support:

• further strike action
• work bans

Following input from members, a meeting of QTU Senior Officers, QTU Executive members, Principal Representatives and other officers of the QTU was convened to consider an extensive list of proposed work bans. After considerable discussion regarding the implications of each, a revised list of work bans was forwarded to QTU Executive for consideration.

If the work bans being considered are to have any impact, they need to have an immediate and significant effect on the department and the government.

One of the actions being considered is banning the publication (including on websites) of the annual school report.  It is the QTU’s understanding that these reports are due for publication and provision to the department by the end of this term. As the department uses them to collate data about schools, not releasing it will have an immediate and significant effect.

As the end of the school term is only two weeks away, the Senior Officers of the QTU will be giving consideration to the issuing of this ban over the coming week.

Since the strike action on 19th May 2009, the government offer has not improved and the progress of negotiations has been slow. Queensland teachers and school leaders deserve to be paid salaries commensurate with those in other states. The Union will need the continued strong support of school leaders to achieve this objective. 

The QTU appreciates that should this ban be issued, principals will be placed under pressure by the department to provide the relevant documentation. However, participating in work bans that affect the government may be necessary if the government is to hear the message of QTU members and we to get the Premier to listen to the fair claims of Queensland’s teachers and school leaders.

The Union thanks you for your continued support in this important campaign.

John Battams                                  
QTU General Secretary                  

Authorised by John Battams, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union,
21 Graham St,  Milton,Q.4064