Welcome to the first edition of the Temporary Teacher Communique – a new electronic newsletter developed to provide temporary teachers with current information, news and advice from the Queensland Teachers’ Union.

As a temporary teacher, you are important to the QTU, and we are continually striving to provide you with the best possible service and outcomes. That's why we are sending you this newsletter, which has been designed to provide you with the latest information and handy tips that you and your fellow temporary teachers need.

Topics covered in this edition include:

• Why join the QTU?
• It's your Union: get involved and use it!
• Keeping your details up to date
• QTU achievements for temporary teachers
• Enterprise bargaining (EB 7): what’s in it for you?
• NSW: the frightening reality of being a temporary teacher under the O’Farrell government

Why join the QTU?

There is a common misconception that there is no need to join the QTU until you receive a permanent appointment. Don't be caught out. Go down this route and you will quickly find yourself isolated, without the legal cover and support only the QTU can provide. 

Temporary teachers face a myriad of unique issues and problems, many of them financial, and the QTU recognises this.  That's why temporary teachers pay reduced dues.

For more information, including details of the 2012 dues, visit the QTU website. Don't forget, you can pay your dues over 10 monthly direct debit payments, and they are also a tax deduction.  And, of course, QTU membership provides access to Union Shopper, a great way to make even more savings!

It's your Union – get involved and use it!

Not sure what your entitlements are or how to go about approaching an issue at your school?

The Queensland Teachers’ Assist Desk (QTAD) is open to all members, providing you with quick, confidential information on pay, leave and other general working conditions (complex matters may have to be referred to Union Officers).

You can contact QTAD by ringing 1300 11 78 23 or by emailing qtad@qtu.asn.au or online.

"What’s the Union going to do about it?"

It's a common cry often heard in staff rooms across the state, but the ‘Union’ is not a physical building or the QTU Officers, it is you and me, the rank and file members in schools across Queensland.  QTU members working collectively in schools have far more power to force change than any individual Union official. That's why if there is an issue at your workplace, your first port of call should be your school QTU Rep, to discuss what you can do at the local level. 

The QTU's 'Right to Teach/Right to Learn' strategy was developed specifically to support this kind of workplace activism. It is designed to give members the confidence to ensure that the basic working conditions of all teachers are protected in the workplace, particularly those of temporary teachers who, by the very nature of temporary work, feel vulnerable.

Of course, there are other ways of getting involved.

Local branch meetings are open to all QTU members, not just Union Reps – it’s a great way to get to know other teachers, get the latest education news and get involved in your Union.

Next time your local Regional Organiser is visiting your school, introduce yourself and make sure that they are aware of your temporary employment status.  If you are currently seeking a permanent position within EQ, your Organiser can help by arranging for the QTU to advocate on your behalf.  You can download a temporary teacher seeking permanency form from the QTU website, or contact QTAD to have one emailed to you.  It is important to note, however, that the QTU is not the employer and cannot create positions where they do not exist.  However, we will advocate on your behalf and work with EQ to ensure that the department fulfils its commitments and obligations.

The QTU publishes a series of brochures specifically aimed at temporary teachers:

• Teachers seeking permanent employment (Advice brochure)
• Conversion of temporary teachers to permanency (Information brochure)
• Temporary Teaching (Contract teachers) (Information brochure)
• Temporary Teacher Vacation Payments. (Information brochure) 

These are available for download from the QTU website or from QTAD.

Keeping your details up to date

It is essential that the Union has accurate contact details for you, including your home email addresses.  You can update your details on our system any time by logging onto our member's  portal.   Alternatively you can ring QTAD on 1300 11 7823.

QTU achievements for temporary teachers

Improving conditions for temporary teachers was a priority during the negotiations for the last enterprise bargaining agreement. Significant improvements were gained for temporary teachers in EB6, including:

• Improved access to summer vacation pay
• A commitment from Education Queensland to maximise permanent employment
• Conversion of temporary teachers to permanency following three years continuous employment
• Monitoring of temporary teacher data

Read how these improvements can affect you.

Enterprise bargaining (EB 7): what’s in it for you?

The QTU continues to strive for improved conditions for our temporary members, and the log of claims for EB7 includes: 

• ongoing commitment to the conversion to permanency process
• improved access to professional development 
• recognition of the federal paid parental leave (PPL) scheme in consideration of continuity for conversion to permanency.

NSW: the frightening reality of being a temporary teacher under the O’Farrell government

Changes being brought about by the newly elected conservative O’Farrell government in NSW look set to have a catastrophic impact. Read the QTU President's review of the changes underway in NSW here.

Penny Spalding,
QTU Officer

Feedback on the Temporary Teacher Communique is welcomed. Please send feedback, ideas and/or suggestions attention to Penny Spalding at qtu@qtu.asn.au

_{Authorised by Graham Moloney, General Secretary,
Queensland Teachers' Union,  21 Graham St,  Milton,Q.4064}