TAFE EB10 Bulletin no.11 22 July 2019 | Download PDF
QTU DIRECTIVEAll members of the QTU TAFE Division, employed by TAFE Queensland, are hereby directed to stop work for two hours from 10:00am on Tuesday 30 July 2019. |
The QTU’s electronic protected action ballot of our TAFE Division members on the question of industrial action, which was conducted between 11 June and 25 June, was overwhelmingly supported.
QTU TAFE Division members voted yes to taking an initial two-hour stop-work meeting before 31 July, and a subsequent 24-hour strike to be scheduled, if required, at a date to be determined.
The threshold matters identified that could trigger protected industrial action, namely a two-hour stop-work meeting and subsequent 24-hour strike, included:
- salaries that achieve comparability with interstate colleagues and address the cost of living
- a new salary classification structure for education team leaders and higher education
- processes to address gender employment equity
- factors to mitigate increasing workload.
On 12 July, the employer tabled a formal response to the QTU’s log of claims that did not sufficiently address the threshold matters. The formal response rejected parts of the QTU claim on the grounds that they were inconsistent with whole-of-government policy.
In accordance with the results of the protected action ballot and instructions from QTU TAFE Executive, the QTU has notified both the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission and TAFE Queensland of the planned protected industrial action, and the Union directs all members of the QTU TAFE Division to stop work for two hours from 10:00am on Tuesday, 30 July
QTU TAFE DIVISION’S TWO HOUR STOP WORK MEETINGS
QTU TAFE Division members should leave their workplace for the two hours of the stop work.
The two hour stop work meeting will include an online statewide meeting, commencing at 10:30am.
QTU members can stream the online meeting live on a personal device by following the Queensland Teachers’ Union on Facebook. The QTU is also streaming the meeting in many of our Union’s offices. The QTU recommends that members do not stream the online meeting on a device provided by the employer.
QTU TAFE Division members are invited to register to attend a meeting in one of nine venues throughout Queensland. We will also be running maxi-taxis from some campuses to meeting venues.
Click here to register to attend a meeting and book a space in a maxi-taxi.
On Monday, 29 July you will receive an email from qtu_tafe_eb@qtu.asn.au to confirm your booking and advise you of maxi-taxi pick up locations.
The QTU welcomes photos of local gatherings of QTU TAFE Division members who are teaching in regional or remote locations. Email your local photos to qtu_tafe_eb@qtu.asn.au
The online statewide meeting will include a series of resolutions and provide instructions on how members can log on to the QTU website and vote on the resolutions.
GOOD FAITH BARGAINING CONTINUES
Protected industrial action does not limit the QTU’s continued engagement in good faith bargaining with the employer and other unions that are party to the certified agreement and TAFE Queensland Award – State 2016. The QTU is committed to our three Ps campaign to improve salaries, increase access to permanent employment, and address programming measures to mitigate workload. The QTU understands that the employer is constrained by whole-of-government policy, and that the Queensland Government needs to change policy as a matter of urgency.
PROTECTED INDUSTRIAL ACTION - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why are we taking protected industrial action?
Protected industrial action means that the two hour stop work that will be undertaken complies with Queensland’s Industrial Relations Act 2016. In June, members of the QTU TAFE Division overwhelmingly voted in a protected action ballot (which also complied with the Act) and supported taking a package of protected industrial action, including an initial two hour stop work before 31 July and, if required, a subsequent 24-hour strike to be scheduled at a date to be determined. We are taking action that is in accordance with the Act and the decision of members in June.
Have EB10 negotiations broken down?
No. The QTU is committed to good faith bargaining guidelines and will continue to negotiate for increases in pay, improved access to permanent employment, and programming measures that mitigate workload. However, in its response to the QTU’s EB10 log of claims the employer repeatedly asserts that the Union’s claim is not supported because it is not consistent with whole-of-government policy. The peace obligation period ceased when the certified agreement expired, and taking protected industrial action highlights the need for the Queensland government to change its vocational education and training policy.
Do I have to leave my workplace during the stop work meeting?
QTU members are directed to stop work for a period of two hours from 10:00am. The QTU strongly encourages QTU members to not remain on campus during the two hour stop work, even if you are in a regional or remote location, and to stream the online statewide meeting on a personal device.
What happens at a stop work meeting?
The directive to stop work for two hours includes thirty minutes of travel time to a venue before the online statewide meeting commences. The online meeting will stream from 10:30am and will provide the latest information on the progress of EB10 negotiations.
Members attending a venue with a QTU host will be asked to sign a register of attendance. This is a QTU document that will not be shared with the employer.
The meeting will move a series of resolutions and members will be asked to vote on the resolutions. Instructions on how to vote online will be provided at the meeting and will also be emailed to members of the QTU’s TAFE Division.
Will I be paid to attend the stop work meeting?
A worker’s right to withdraw their labour is a fundamental freedom. The United Nations’ International Covenant on Economic (FWO), Social and Cultural Rights of 1966 requires governments to ensure that workers have the right to strike. Withdrawing labour also means not being paid for the two hours of the stop work.
What happens if I cannot attend a meeting?
QTU members teaching in regional or remote locations can still participate in the stop work action. The QTU strongly recommends that members leave their workplace and stream the online meeting on a personal device.
Who will look after my classes when I stop work?
Members of the QTU TAFE Division are directed to stop work for two hours on 30 July from 10:00am. The employer has been notified of the stop work. Operational concerns such as supervision of classes is a matter for the employer.
Will there be more industrial action?
The QTU TAFE Division protected action ballot, conducted in June, supported a package of industrial action that includes an initial two hour stop work and the scheduling of a subsequent 24-hour strike, if required. The two hour stop work will consider resolutions, including the need for changes in whole-of-government policy relevant to the funding of vocational education and training in Queensland, as well as the potential for a subsequent 24-hour strike.
| Graham Moloney General Secretary |
Craig Wood Research Officer - Industrial Advocate |
Authorised by Graham Moloney, General Secretary, Queensland Teachers' Union