Principal Update – 24-hour Industrial Action – 19th May 2009

The QTU acknowledges and thanks principals for their support during the current campaign.  The Union appreciates that many principals have led by example in encouraging members to participate in the balloting for industrial action. The QTU also appreciates that principals sometimes find themselves in a difficult position when industrial action occurs. This Principal Update has been written to provide principals with further information regarding the strike.

Advice from principals to parents

The QTU is aware that the Department of Education has advised principals not to distribute the letter prepared by the QTU, but distribute an alternative letter to parents. In some regions we believe the Regional Executive Director has directed principals to only distribute the Department’s letter.

The Department has no ability to stop the QTU letter from being distributed by QTU members.  It may indicate that school resources should not be used to produce the letter, however, as QTU members you have the right to communicate with the school community about the impending action.

It would appear that once again the Department has determined not to value the judgement of its school leaders with respect to the appropriate arrangements for their schools. 

It is our understanding that the Department’s letter does not reflect the true circumstances in the school on the day of the strike. As outlined in the Newsflash, we would suggest that where principals are compelled to distribute alternative Departmental advice to parents, they should advise parents in writing that they have been directed by the Department to send out this advice. It is imperative this advice be accompanied by the Union’s letter, signed by the school’s Union Representative or QTU members at the school, as the Union’s letter most accurately reflects the circumstances at the school on the day.

Members may also wish to include the following statement in their letter:

NB: The QTU members at this school are aware that the Department of Education has advised principals to distribute alternative advice that suggests arrangements contrary to those outlined here.  It is the view of the QTU members at this school that this letter best reflects the position of members at this school for the day of the strike.

You may choose to sign the QTU letter as a QTU member.  As principal of the school, parents will recognise your name and will understand that you support the view of the Union.

The QTU respects the need for parents to make alternative arrangements for their children. 

We would encourage you to send the Union’s letter as soon as possible.  If you are directed by the Department to delay sending their letter that is their choice, however the Union’s letter should go as soon as possible to provide parents with sufficient notice to make appropriate arrangements.

Alternative supervision arrangements

The QTU Newsflash proposes some alternative arrangements should students attend on the day.  These include:

• arranging for students to return home (if appropriate);
• arranging for non-members to supervise the students; and 
• arranging for other Departmental employees to take responsibility for the students. 

Principals will be aware that the Department and Minister have suggested that supply teachers be engaged for the day of the strike.  Before engaging in this activity you should consider firstly that most supply teachers are members of the QTU and therefore are also subject to the directive, and secondly, the cost of a supply teacher will be borne by your school budget. 

We would strongly encourage QTU members not to participate in any form of “strike breaking” activity.

Supervision of students

This morning the QTU received correspondence from the Director-General seeking confirmation from the union “that sufficient staff will be available for the supervision of students on the day of the strike”. It is not (and has never been) the intention of the QTU that members would provide a skeleton supervisory staff.

The QTU is unable to make the assurances sought by the Department.  All QTU members are expected to participate in the strike. Given the Union represents 96% of the teaching workforce in state schools, it is likely that many schools will be unattended on the day. 

Further details on the supervision of students on strike day can be found in the QTU Newsflash – 06/09 – distributed to every school on 11th May 2009.

The Union has advised the Department to be careful in advising parents that schools will be open and supervision will be provided.  It is unfortunate that they have not heeded this advice. 

Principal expectations

The Union appreciates that principals are often advised by the Department to act in a manner contrary to the QTU directive.  As a member of the QTU, you are afforded the same rights and protections as non-principal members.  As union members you have the right to go on strike, and any threat for taking strike action made to you or your employment by the Department is illegal.

We remind you that under the Act, an employer must not threaten to or actually “dismiss an employee, injure an employee in his or her employment or change an employee’s position to the employee’s prejudice” for participation in protected industrial action. Any threats of or actual action against members engaged in the strike should immediately be referred to the QTU.

 The EB Campaign includes claims around your conditions and wages – subsequently the Government needs to understand that all members of the QTU will no longer accept sub-standard salaries and conditions

 Once again thank you for your support during this campaign.  Your willingness to take action in support of the QTU’s claims is valued greatly by the Union.

John Battams                                  
QTU General Secretary                    

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