EB9: Time to walk the walk!
Queensland Teachers' Journal, Vol 124 No 3, 23 April 2019, page no. 8
This EB it’s not enough for the government to talk the talk. This EB, it’s time for QTU members to see the government walk the walk.
We cannot deny that this government has demonstrated its support for teachers and school leaders – it responded positively to the call for a review of NAPLAN, it delivered on highly accomplished and lead teacher, it has spoken about addressing issues of cyberbullying and violence.
In fact, it has been clear that it is very proud of the work QTU members do in delivering a world class education system. So, it’s time that they bring our conditions out of the 20th century and into the 21st century.
It’s time for them to deliver on the talk.
In these negotiations, it is clear that the government must deliver on at least four key priorities. Our future – the future of the teaching profession in Queensland – depends on it.
1. We need a classification system for promotional positions, for our principals, deputies, heads of departments, heads of curriculum, guidance officers, senior guidance officers, heads of special education services and all other heads of programs and school leaders, which is designed for 21st century schooling and reflects the valuable work our education leaders do every day, in every school, in every community of this state.
2. We need to address the gender employment inequity that sees a differential of 10 per cent of pay for teachers and school leaders with the same qualifications and years of service.
3. We need a system that addresses workload. Let’s be clear. QTU members are not afraid of change and new ideas – but for every new education trend there is at least one old one that should be retired. Teachers, heads of program, education leaders need the tools and space to exercise their professional autonomy on what reforms to embrace and what to let go.
We can only address workload when the effect of change on not just how work is done, but what work is required to deliver the change features in decision making, is considered.
There must be choice and respect for those working in schools; and with students every day. This is not easy to do when our non-contact time, class sizes, remote area incentives, change management processes, transfer system, HR protocols – our conditions – all have their foundations in the 20th century.
4. This EB we need a salary increase that will address a range of issues.
As much as we are proud Queenslanders we shouldn’t have a discount on our salaries because we have more sunshine. We have great schools, great teachers, and great school leaders. We are worth at least as much as our interstate colleagues.
We also deserve salary increases that address the increases in the cost of living, whether these indices measure inflation or house prices, the salary increases we receive should at least accommodate these increasing costs.
We have heard much about wage stagnation in recent weeks. We have been told that Australia deserves a pay rise, and we agree. A government wages policy that is locked at least four years in the past is not sufficient to deliver on the salaries our members deserve!
This EB, the government must offer an agreement for our times, because how can we educate for the future if our conditions are locked in the past?
We need 21st century conditions for 21st century schools.
Teachers matter! Education leaders matter! QTU members: worth more!